As Bayern Munich gears up for the highly anticipated Classico showdown with Borussia Dortmund this Saturday, the reigning German champions find themselves in a state of profound shock following their unexpected exit from the German Cup. Thomas Muller, the 34-year-old Bavarian icon, expressed the collective sentiment of the team, stating, "We are still devastated after the exit from the German Cup. And, yes, I call it a shock-like state as this is not our expectation."
While licking their wounds from the Cup defeat to the third-tier side Saarbruecken (2-1), Muller emphasized the importance of regaining their focus and fighting spirit in preparation for the upcoming clash against Dortmund. The remarkable performance of table leaders Bayer Leverkusen, VfB Stuttgart, and RB Leipzig underscores the need for Bayern to be resolute and clear in their approach. As Muller puts it, "you can't just sneak in this time; you need to kick the can down the road properly."
Addressing the various reasons behind the Cup defeat is imperative, and Bayern must display signs of life and determination in their subsequent matches. In Muller's words, "We need to show a sign of life."
The encounter between Dortmund and Bayern holds a special place in Muller's heart, with the forward boasting a positive record in their meetings. He has won 15 of the 25 duels he's participated in, reflecting the intensity and competitiveness of these matches. Overall, the statistics show that Bayern has emerged victorious in 66 of their encounters, while Dortmund has celebrated 35 wins.
Muller emphasized the significance of the fixture, calling it "the most thrilling encounter in my career." The anticipation and excitement aren't limited to German fans, as international audiences also eagerly await the clash of these two football powerhouses. Muller's social media channels are inundated with comments and posts ahead of what he terms a "unique game."
In Muller's perspective, the match against Dortmund presents an opportunity for Bayern to make amends, albeit partially, for their Cup disappointment. "It won't get us back into the Cup competition, but we are gaining ground in the national league," he added.
Unusually, this Classico sees both participants not vying for the league lead, marking the third time that neither Dortmund nor Bayern has a chance to claim the top spot. Muller stressed the importance of maintaining proximity to the coveted first position, stating, "It's about keeping close contact and staying in touch with the position you want to capture in the end to win the national title."
Despite finding himself on the bench more often in recent years, Muller remains highly valued by Bayern's leadership, with discussions of a new contract on the horizon. Sporting director Christoph Freund highlighted Muller's significance, both on and off the pitch, describing him as a player of immense value for the entire squad. Freund emphasized Muller's enduring presence in Bayern's shirt, declaring the club's unequivocal desire to retain him, making it clear that they view him as an irreplaceable factor in nurturing team spirit. "That is a message to all others. There is no doubt, we want to keep him," Freund concluded.
(With agency inputs)
