Thomas Müller interviewed: 'The main thing I feel is joy'

FC Bayern will be presented with the Meisterschale after Saturday's Bundesliga match against Borussia Mönchengladbach, while Thomas Müller might make his 750th appearance for the German record champions. It will be his last home game at the Allianz Arena. The club legend reveals what's on his mind ahead of the special match in an interview with fcbayern.com. Müller also talks about the Champions League exit and the upcoming Club World Cup. And the FCB record player reveals why he feels joy rather than melancholy ahead of his farewell.

Thomas Müller interviewed

Servus Thomas, and congratulations! Last weekend you celebrated the championship title the day after the 3-3 draw away at Leipzig. How hard was it to focus on the Bundesliga after the Champions League exit?
Thomas Müller: “We managed the turnaround very well after the huge setback against Inter. In the difficult game in Heidenheim – Leverkusen had really struggled there the week before – we did a great job and turned in a strong performance. We improved the atmosphere after the setback and said: We’re a big step closer to the championship now. Then we won against Mainz, and Leverkusen squandered points at the same time. So before Leipzig we had the feeling that things were finally going our way.”

So it took pressure off your shoulders? 

“I already felt a lot of ease during training ahead of Leipzig. But positive ease that told us we’d definitely do a perfect job that weekend. Everyone was aware of the chance. Fortunately it worked out.”

4-0 away at Heidenheim, 3-0 against Mainz, 3-3 away at Leipzig after being two down. It was not a matter of course that things would take such a good development after the big setback against Inter.

“Seemingly, yes. But it's not like we were knocked out of the Champions League because we didn't perform well or were in a really bad phase. We had a lot of really good phases and good moments in these Champions League games. But that’s football, sometimes the result tells another story, especially against strong opponents, no matter how things went over 180 minutes. But if things go well, it gives you a better chance of winning the next game. That's what happened in our case.”

The team went on the seal the championship title, your 13th with FC Bayern. What does it mean to you?

“The figures are all well and good, but you always experience the triumphs one by one. You focus on the current season, on this one season, you work towards it, it’s this table that counts. Whether you won the championship title three years ago or not is of no interest today. In the Bundesliga, it's about the title that occupies you the most over the course of the year, and that also influences the atmosphere the most – both in and around the club. The whole of Germany discusses a game every week. That's why I really like the Bundesliga title. I appreciate how difficult the competition is. It's one thing to be good. But when you repeatedly prevail against opponents who try to beat you every year, that's an achievement that has always appealed to me. That's why it's all the more pleasing that we won the title again after last year.”

This trophy will be your last with your favourite club. Does that make it more than “just” your 13th championship title?

“Yes, the overall constellation is very special for me. To be presented with my last championship trophy in my last home game for FC Bayern – it stirs up emotions even in an old hand like me. Others feel it too. I’m definitely looking forward to Saturday.”

Do you notice the fans reacting differently to you at the moment?

“Just looking at the jerseys I've signed recently – of course the topic has been in the media for four weeks or so, especially in the Munich media and the football media. Thomas Müller has been discussed up and down. I have the feeling that I'm being recognised and approached more than ever when I go out the door. Everyone wants to get a quick taste of Thomas Müller before he disappears (laughs). The modern generation would say: FOMO (fear of missing out, ed.) is real.”

How are you preparing for your last home match against Gladbach?

“I'm just trying to enjoy it... (pauses) I know it’ll be my last home game and that it’ll also be about me as an individual after the game. At best, it’ll be a bit separate from the sport because we’ll go to the Allianz Arena to do sport and celebrate the title with the fans. That's the priority for me. Of course I also want to use the time to say goodbye to the fans in our living room. Even if I don't feel like this farewell is forever, because I'm still in this world.”

In the last few years we’ve always felt you stand your ground even in difficult moments. You’ve always been in control. Will you be able to do it on Saturday too?

“Let's see. We know it from other athletes. I'm also curious about myself. If I take the time to look back, the main thing I feel is joy. I wouldn't know what to be sad about. I don't feel melancholy. I’m not FC Bayern's record player for no reason. That means I've managed to play at this level for longer than anyone else at Bayern.”

After your last home game, there’ll be the last Bundesliga match away at Hoffenheim and the Club World Cup in the USA from mid-June onwards. You’ll make your last competitive appearance for FC Bayern there.

“It's still quite far away at the moment, I must say, also because we don't know the competition yet. I believe and hope the many different teams and also the cultures will ensure a varied mix. Successful teams with high quality from many countries will be there. We also have the top European teams. There’s quality in the tournament and diversity at the same time. I think the way it's set up – of course with the money the clubs can earn – it's also important for the clubs. I'm looking forward to when we get closer to the tournament and when we can feel the atmosphere on site for the first time. There’ll be action.”

…and you might win a very big title to say goodbye.

“If, ideally, we leave as winners of this first Club World Cup, I hope we’ll feel, hey, we’ve achieved something really big as a team – and it’ll be another huge thing in four years.”

We talked to head coach Vincent Kompany after winning the title: