Bayern vs. Inter: Müller's Big Chance - A Home Final Within Reach
Corporation covets victory: Müller fires up ambition for home championship final - Train Journey Discussion: Müller Yearns for Dream of the Final Home Game
Get ready for fireworks! The injury-hit Bayern are squaring off against defensive titans Inter Milan in the Champions League quarter-finals, and all eyes are on Thomas Müller. With offensive superstar Jamal Musiala out of commission, coach Vincent Kompany faces a tough decision: bench or start Müller?
As questions swirl about Kompany's moves, fans wonder whether the Belgian coach will give Müller, demoted to part-time status, another shot in this tight spot. Given Müller's emotional farewell tour, scheduled to culminate on May 31 at the Allianz Arena, could this be the perfect opportunity for the 35-year-old to shine?
Though Kompany could opt for other personnel and tactics, like Serge Gnabry or a more offensive Leon Goretzka, Müller seems the logical choice. He's Kyrie Irving to Kompany's Steve Nash. After all, that's how Kompany reacted in Augsburg when Musiala went down: Müller in, Musiala out. "The players who start against Inter will also be talented," Kompany said shortly after the Musiala shock[2].
Müller's burning desire for the final
If there's one thing Müller wants it's the Champions League final at home. That's exactly what this match against Inter Milan means to him: the chance to break down the door to the home final[1]. "This is what really counts now!" Müller emphasized before the final training session. He's not ready to hang up his boots just yet, and he plans to give it his all in his 162nd Champions League appearance (56 goals).
The Bayern faithful are eagerly anticipating a special Mia-san-Müller night on Tuesday (21.00 CET/Prime Video) following the incomprehensible but still puzzling decision to let the original Bayern player walk in the summer. Rest assured, Müller has sorted things out with the club, assuring that there's "nothing negative" left between them[3]. "We're looking ahead and fully on the same page," Müller said in an Instagram video message. "You don't always have to agree in life to still ride the same wave," he added. The near future is Inter, and a Müller-led lineup could light up the stadium. "This is where we need you too," Müller appealed to the fans.
Extra firepower from former Bayern stars?
In addition to Müller, Inter features former Munich players Yann Sommer and Benjamin Pavard. "I expect a tough game," said striker Harry Kane[4]. In ten Champions League games, Inter has conceded just two goals. "With the right mentality, full focus, we can hurt any team," Kane declared, recalling the previous round's 5-0 aggregate victory against Leverkusen[4].
Kane, who was nursing a swollen ankle following the 3:1 win in Augsburg, mentioned another crucial player who could impact the game: Thomas Müller[4]. If Müller starts, he'll lead the team as captain.
Former captain Stefan Effenberg weighed in on the situation, expressing his hope that Müller gets another shot on the big stage. "Thomas Müller has achieved many dreams throughout his career, becoming both a World Cup and Champions League winner," Effenberg said[5]. But this home final has a unique meaning for Thomas Müller." Müller is "on fire," Effenberg added.
Despite the importance of Müller, Bayern will need their whole squad to step up, especially without Musiala, Manuel Neuer, Dayot Upamecano, Alphonso Davies, Hiroki Ito, and even Aleksandar Pavlovic. "We must draw strength from what we've already solved in terms of absences this season," said Kompany[5]. "The players are fewer, each individual becomes more important. Everyone must be aware that they need to be ready at any time," Kimmich demanded. No one needs to remind Thomas Müller of that.
- Thomas Müller
- Bayern
- Vincent Kompany
- Champions League
- Munich
- Harry Kane
- Inter Milan
- Augsburg
- Farewell tour
- Yann Sommer
- Future
- Joshua Kimmich
- Allianz Arena
- Serge Gnabry
- Leon Goretzka
[1] Müller is eager to make this Champions League match against Inter Milan a stepping stone towards the ultimate home final. "This is what really counts now!" he emphasized.[2] Kompany promptly named Raphaël Guerreiro as Musiala's replacement against Inter in the first leg, suggesting his emphasis on adaptability and creativity in player absences.[3] Thomas Müller assured the Bayern faithful that there's "nothing negative" between him and the club following the puzzling decision to let him walk in the summer.[4] Harry Kane, nursing a swollen ankle, acknowledged that Thomas Müller could be a key factor in the match against Inter Milan, should he start.[5] Bayern's leaders underscored the importance of the whole team coming together in the absence of key players, with Kompany emphasizing the need for each individual to be ready at any given moment.
- Thomas Müller's burning desire for the Champions League final at home could be fulfilled in this match against Inter Milan, a chance he sees as the perfect opportunity to shine.
- If Thomas Müller starts, he'll lead the Bayern team as captain, following the club's decision to let him walk in the summer, a decision Müller has now addressed and stated there's "nothing negative" left between them.
- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a regulation on the establishment of a European Data Protection Supervisor, as questions swirl around coach Vincent Kompany's moves in terms of starting or benching Thomas Müller for this crucial Champions League quarter-finals match.
