Thomas Müller actually ended his career with the German national team quite some time ago. Under new national team coach Jürgen Klopp, however, the Bayern legend is now hinting at a comeback—albeit with a clear wink.
On the podcast *The Late Run*, Müller discussed the DFB team’s current situation in detail. The first three matches under Klopp were mixed, resulting in one win, one draw, and one loss. Most recently, the team secured its first victory under the new head coach with a 2-0 win over Serbia.
Nevertheless, Müller sees areas where the German team needs to improve. Above all, the 2014 World Cup champion feels one quality is currently missing.
Müller calls for more of a German mentality
“We need to become more of a thorn in the side again,” explained the 37-year-old. Müller recalled a quality that, in his view, has distinguished German national teams for many years.
The soccer world used to envy Germany for its mentality of “always fighting through and being a thorn in the side every second.”
Some of that has been lost in recent years. Müller sees this not only as a mentality issue but also as an area for improvement in the team’s attacking play: “Our style of play is a little too pretty; we’re no longer as clinical in front of the goal.”
Müller even has a rather prominent solution in mind for the problem at center forward—himself. With his characteristic sense of humor, he addressed a message directly to Klopp: “Jürgen, I hope I’m on your list.”
Müller didn’t actually announce any serious plans for a comeback with this remark. But the comment is likely to draw attention precisely because Müller and Klopp know each other so well. As recently as the 2026 World Cup, the two appeared together on camera for MagentaTV.
Müller believes Klopp can turn things around for the DFB
Fundamentally, Müller is convinced that Klopp can help the German national team. The longtime Bayern Munich pro considers Klopp’s clear vision to be particularly important.
“And clarity is always good. I think he has a clear idea of what he wants to focus on,” Müller explained.
Klopp combines different coaching qualities: “He’s a good mix of a modern coach and an old-school coach.”
At the same time, Müller sees a fundamental challenge facing German soccer. “German soccer is struggling to find a new generation that fans can get excited about.”
From Müller’s perspective, Klopp thus faces a task that goes far beyond individual results. The national team coach should not only build a successful team but also reestablish a connection between the national team and the fans.
Given his joking tone, it’s doubtful that Müller will actually lend a hand himself in this effort. Nevertheless, his message to Klopp has gotten through: “Jürgen, I hope I’m on your list.”