Tuesday 15 / April / 2025
BERLIN: Thomas Muller appeared to relish his familiar role as a media favorite, effortlessly transitioning from one interview to another after Bayern Munich's 2-2 draw with Borussia Dortmund in the German Der Klassiker.
The match itself took a backseat as Muller, in his element, turned post-match discussions into a lighthearted side attraction with his trademark wit and charm.
Ahead of Bayern Munich's delicate second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal against Inter on the upcoming Tuesday evening, it seemed effortless for the 35-year-old Bavarian icon to command the spotlight with his trademark charisma and media mastery.
The Bayern striker, in good humor, gave an honest assessment of the team's situation, delivering his thoughts with a mix of smiles and lighthearted remarks.
"Miracle? We don't need a miracle in Milan; we need to win," the two-time Champions League winner said.
As the full contingent of TV reporters hung on his every word, the veteran forward, with 131 caps to his name, backed his assessment with stats: "We create chances in abundance. We need a good game at Inter and maybe more efficiency, but no miracle."
The 12-time German champion remained confident they could turn things around after their narrow 2-1 first-leg defeat, insisting they have what it takes to advance to the semifinals.
Muller radiated confidence as he assured reporters: "We are doing good despite our injury losses. It's entirely in our hands."
Optimism appears to be the guiding philosophy for the German record champions, as Bayern coach Vincent Kompany highlighted that his team unleashed 55 shots across two matches, creating 10 to 15 clear scoring opportunities.
"We remain dangerous and are a threat," the 39-year-old added, choosing to focus on the team's attacking prowess rather than dwelling on vulnerabilities like their leaky defense or the absence of key players -- Manuel Neuer, Dayot Upamecano, Alphonso Davies, and Jamal Musiala.
The remaining squad has discovered their fighting spirit, Muller said and added: "So have I."
He declined to discuss his future following the controversial decision to end his 25-year tenure with Bayern at season's close.
"I still have targets to head for, I am a competitive footballer, and all I think about is Tuesday," he said.
His impending career milestone -- 745 games in a Bayern shirt -- weighs lightly on him. "Things happen as they happen," he reflected with characteristic humor. "This moment comes for everyone; they may sack you next year," he told a reporter, drawing roaring laughter from the room.
Muller instead talked about his ambitions to reach the 2025 Champions League final on May 31 in the Munich arena.
With the 2025 Bundesliga title all but secured -- thanks to a six-point lead over second-place Leverkusen and just five matchdays remaining -- Muller has fully embraced his role as Bayern's chief morale booster.
"We need to score at Inter, and that is one of my jobs next to others," Bayern's first-leg scorer said.
After beginning the first leg on the bench, the Bavarian icon now appears certain to start -- with Bayern unlikely to risk leaving their chief motivator out for such a decisive clash in Italy, both for his on-field quality and infectious presence.
