Uli Hoeneß has once again spoken at length about Thomas Müller – expressing both appreciation and clear criticism. The honorary president of FC Bayern made it clear that the club still believes its long-time figurehead has a future off the pitch
According to Hoeneß, there is still a possibility that Müller will return to FC Bayern in an official role, and a corresponding offer was already made last year – which is still valid
For the club, a return of the original Bayern player would be a logical step. Few players embody the club’s identity as much as Müller, who was a defining figure at Säbener Straße for many years
Clear criticism of Bayern’s last phase
At the same time, Hoeneß had unusually clear words for Müller’s sporting role in his final months at the record champions
„In the end, he was just the press spokesman,“ explained the 74-year-old in an interview with DAZN, alluding to Müller’s increasing role off the pitch. The attacking player spoke more than he played and presented himself strongly in a phase in which he had already lost his sporting importance
Nevertheless, Hoeneß emphasized that he had no personal problem with Müller – on the contrary: he acknowledged how skilfully the 2014 world champion had positioned himself in this situation
Hoeneß also drew comparisons with current Bayern players, describing Michael Olise as a much more introverted type who concentrates fully on soccer and has little interest in public staging
This contrast shows how different personalities appear in modern soccer – and what influence they can also have off the pitch
Hoeneß had a different plan for Müller
It is also interesting to note that Hoeneß originally had a different future in mind for Müller. Instead of a direct move to the MLS, he would have preferred a kind of sabbatical
During this time, Müller would have gained an insight into other sports leagues such as the NBA, NFL or MLS and would have been able to continue his training. The aim would have been to then integrate him into a suitable role at FC Bayern – in an environment that has long been more than just a soccer club
Despite these ideas, Hoeneß shows understanding for Müller’s decision to continue his active career, saying that the appeal of professional soccer is simply too great to give it up early
Even if some of the statements are critical, the message remains clear: the door is still open for Thomas Müller at FC Bayern
Whether and when he will return depends above all on when the 36-year-old ends his active career – and what role he can imagine for himself afterwards.