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regular-article-logo Friday, 22 November 2024

Philipp Lahm puts money on Mueller

At 33, Thomas isn’t getting any younger, which is why Bayern are taking care of his workload

Sayak Banerjee Calcutta Published 07.10.22, 03:50 AM
Philipp Lahm.

Philipp Lahm. File picture

Eleven Bundesliga and two Champions League titles for Bayern Munich, and winning the Golden Boot in the 2010 World Cup before lifting the coveted trophy four years later for Germany make enough material for a Netflix series on Thomas Mueller.

That’s what the legendary Jurgen Klinsmann had said last month about the German attacking midfielder, who’s set to feature in his fourth World Cup this November and December in Qatar.

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At 33, Mueller isn’t getting any younger, which is why Bayern are taking care of his workload. In a recent few Bundesliga games, Mueller was rested or substituted early.

But he is at his best when he plays on a regular basis, believes Philipp Lahm. The former captain, who had led Germany to their fourth World Cup crown in 2014, is not at all worried about his former teammate’s fitness.

“Thomas is always at his best when he plays regularly,” Lahm, also a former Bayern captain, told The Telegraph in a virtual interaction facilitated by Sony. “Even at 33, Thomas is in top shape. That’s why I’m not worried about his fitness,” Lahm added.

It goes without saying that Mueller will play an important role in head coach Hansi Flick’s scheme of things in Qatar.

In fact, Mueller not playing regularly in the ongoing Bundesliga has been one of the reasons behind Bayern’s inability to win a few matches. Lahm, though, feels this has more to do with the absence of star striker Robert Lewandowski, who’s currently playing for Barcelona. “Without Lewy, the job seems to have become a bit difficult,” Lahm said.

⚫ Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich live on Sony Ten 2 and live stream on SonyLIV, Saturday, 10pm (IST) onwards

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