The future of Thomas Müller at FC Bayern is once again causing discussion – but this time the clear words are coming from the management itself. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has made a surprisingly clear statement on the possible return of the original Bayern player, emphasizing above all the requirements for a leadership role at the record champions
The involvement of former players has a long tradition at FC Bayern. Icons such as Rummenigge and Uli Hoeneß have shaped the club over decades and formed it into an international brand. The Munich club is also currently working on continuing this line, with two former fans‘ favourites, Dante and Franck Ribéry, set to take on responsibility in the future – possibly as a coaching team for the second team
Thomas Müller is also considered a long-term candidate for a role in the Bayern management team. The 36-year-old is currently still under contract with Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS, but is repeatedly linked with a return to Säbener Straße
Rummenigge makes clear demands of Müller
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, however, takes a differentiated view of this prospect and focuses above all on the necessary dedication. „Thomas Müller has now been a professional footballer for 18 years. I assume that he is a very rich man who does not necessarily need this job so that he is still doing well financially in the future,“ explained the 70-year-old in an interview with t-online
The decisive factor is therefore not the opportunity, but the willingness to be fully involved. „This job can only be done by someone who is prepared to work 24/7,“ Rummenigge emphasized and became even clearer: „Anyone who thinks you can do it on the side, give a few interviews in between and practically only manage things through communication is completely wrong.“
The former board boss thus formulated a clear expectation – not only for Müller, but for all potential candidates for management positions at FC Bayern
The decision lies with Müller himself
At the same time, Rummenigge made it clear that the initiative for a possible return must come from the player himself. „As far as his future is concerned, he has to be clear about what he wants. It’s no use tempting him with a carrot now. It simply has to mature in him,“ he explained
According to Rummenigge, the current contact between Müller and the club is also manageable. „There’s not much contact between him and us at the moment because he started the season in the MLS with Vancouver,“ said the 70-year-old. Nevertheless, the club is happy when the 2014 world champion finds his way to Säbener Straße during visits to Germany
One thing is clear: the door at FC Bayern is basically open for Müller – but the conditions are clearly defined. A return in a responsible role will only happen if the veteran is willing to fully commit to the club
With his contract in Vancouver running until the end of the year, the decision is unlikely to be made in the short term anyway. But Rummenigge’s statements clearly show that a Müller return is not a foregone conclusion – but a question of attitude.