The Olympic debate about Thomas Müller is gaining momentum. U21 coach Stefan Kuntz confirms a Tokyo talk with the Bayern star. Would Olympia fit in with Müller's planning?
Munich (AP) - From an Olympic "spinning mill" could be even more for Thomas Müller. Under-21 coach Stefan Kuntz confirmed a conversation with the star of FC Bayern Munich about a possible assignment in Tokyo.
"Yes, exactly. I spoke to him," Kuntz told Sport1 on Wednesday, "but also with other experienced players with big names. They all rightly say that they want to wait until May to see how many games they played, what their contract situation is and whether Olympia fits into their plans. Their plans are different from those of players born in 1997 and 1998. "
Kuntz had put Müller on a list of around 50 possible candidates that had to be reported to the National Anti-Doping Agency by January 15. At the Olympic soccer tournament in summer (July 24th to August 8th), three players per team born before January 1st, 1997 may participate. "With Thomas and the other players, I have agreed that we will probe the situation in early April and late May," said Kuntz.
In March 2019, the former world champion Müller, like 100 international matches, as well as Mats Hummels and Jérôme Boateng, were no longer considered for the senior team by national coach Joachim Löw.
Five weeks ago, the retired offensive player then commented on Sport1 about the possibility of a joint Olympic participation with his wife Lisa. "It's a cool spinning mill, but neither for me nor for my wife that will have top priority in 2020. I have very big goals with FC Bayern for the next five months," he said of himself and those of him married dressage rider.
A 2014 World Champion nomination has radiance. "Thomas Müller is a name not only in Germany, but in the world and is of course always there for attention. But there are always many other components that are decisive," said national team manager Oliver Bierhoff recently.
In Kuntz's considerations, however, the young candidates have priority. "The three older players will be our last piece of the puzzle. After the season, we will first see which players and positions we can fill with the current U21 squad and the 97er year," said Kuntz.
Former national players such as Max Kruse and Sandro Wagner as well as Maximilian Arnold and Davie Selke are also on his list of candidates. "Of course, we discussed internally and externally that we nominate players from as many different clubs as possible so that no club is extremely disadvantaged," said Kuntz. "We have determined that no player will take part in two tournaments - the EURO and Olympia."
Müller would not face this risk. National coach Joachim Löw recently renewed the waiver of the 30-year-old. "The probability is relatively low if everyone is fit," said Löw about a possible EM nomination.
Müller has arranged himself with his retirement in the A team. "I am currently not interested in this European Championship at all," he said, wanting to focus on Bayern. "I am interested that we can get titles here this year. Three if possible." The final nomination for the Olympic Games will only take place in June.
U21 team and coach
U21 appointments
Regulations U21-EM 2021
Stefan Kuntz at dfb.de.
Thomas Müller at dfb.de.
