Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed high praise for Thomas Müller. On Sunday, the Bayern midfielder played his 710th match for the club, setting a new record.
“There is no player like Thomas Müller,” says Pep Guardiola on Bayern's website, which offers extensive coverage of the German player's record-breaking match. “He is one of the best players in the history of Bayern and football, not just because of all the titles he has won, but also because he is completely focused when his team needs him.”
Guardiola, who managed Bayern Munich from 2013 to 2016, witnessed firsthand the impact Müller had on the team during some of its most successful seasons. Under Guardiola’s leadership, Müller was an integral part of a squad that won seven major trophies, including three Bundesliga titles, two DFB-Pokals (German Cups), and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2013. The Spanish manager has always admired Müller’s dedication and intelligence on the pitch, praising his ability to read the game and be in the right place at the right time. Guardiola’s time at Bayern allowed him to see up close how Müller’s unique style of play could influence matches and make him an invaluable asset to the team.
Müller’s qualities go beyond his technical skills and football intelligence. Guardiola also emphasizes his humility, noting that Müller’s approach to the game and his interactions with his teammates set him apart from many other modern footballers. In an era where personal achievements often take center stage, Müller stands out for his team-first mentality. “He celebrates very humbly,” Guardiola says. “Nowadays, footballers prefer to celebrate by themselves. Not Thomas; he always wants to hug his teammates after a goal.” This characteristic highlights Müller’s understanding that football is a team sport and that his success is deeply connected to the collective efforts of those around him.
On Bayern’s website, it’s not just Guardiola who shares high praise for Müller. Former teammate Miroslav Klose also reflects on his experiences playing alongside the Bayern forward. Klose recalls his initial impression of Müller, humorously admitting that when he first saw him on the field, he didn’t think Müller looked like a typical footballer. However, Klose quickly realized that Müller’s outward appearance was deceptive. Despite not having the flashy style or physical attributes of some other players, Müller possessed a remarkable footballing brain and an innate ability to find himself in the right place at the right time.
Klose describes Müller as “a complete package,” recognizing his versatility and footballing intelligence. He emphasizes that Müller’s greatest strength lies in his understanding of the game. “That’s the greatest compliment I can give him: he simply understands football,” Klose states. This simple yet profound observation encapsulates what many who have watched Müller play have come to appreciate his ability to anticipate the flow of play, make crucial decisions under pressure, and execute them flawlessly.
Müller’s journey with Bayern Munich has been one of continuous growth and success. Over the years, he has developed into one of the club’s most iconic players, known for his consistency, leadership, and commitment. His record-breaking 710th appearance for Bayern is a testament to his durability and the trust that numerous coaches have placed in him throughout his career. It also reflects Müller’s deep connection with the club and his determination to continue contributing at the highest level.
As Müller continues to play a key role for Bayern Munich, both his current manager and former teammates acknowledge the invaluable contributions he has made to the team. His unique combination of skill, intelligence, humility, and dedication has not only cemented his place in Bayern’s history but also in the broader narrative of football. Through their reflections, Guardiola and Klose paint a picture of a player who is not only exceptional on the pitch but also a cherished teammate and an exemplary professional.
