Müller on Wirtz transfer: „Would have had it easier in Munich“ | OneFootball

Thomas Müller has experienced top international soccer from almost every perspective – as a beacon of hope, a leading player, a world champion and a long-standing figure of identification for FC Bayern. This makes his clear words on Florian Wirtz’s transfer all the more remarkable. The attacking star decided against Munich in the summer and in favour of a move to Liverpool FC. In retrospect, Müller considers this decision to be questionable, at least from a sporting perspective

In an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung, Müller explains that a move to FC Bayern would have been a much easier option for Wirtz. Not out of convenience, but out of footballing logic. The 36-year-old emphasizes that Wirtz would have remained in a familiar environment in Munich – same league, similar playing style, familiar opponents. The adjustment to pace, physicality and tactics would have been significantly less than in the Premier League

„He would definitely have had an easier time adapting to soccer at Bayern,“ said Müller, adding that this factor should not be underestimated, especially for a player who thrives on rhythm, self-confidence and automatisms. The move to England was an international career step, but one that inevitably entailed risks – risks that are currently also reflected in Wirtz’s performances

The underestimated pressure at FC Bayern

photo: IMAGO

At the same time, Müller puts the frequently voiced criticism of Wirtz’s start at Liverpool into perspective, saying that although adjustment problems, fluctuations in form and public discussions are present in England, they are still moderate compared to what players can expect at FC Bayern. Müller sums it up with an impressive image: „If things don’t go well for you at FC Bayern, you’re in meltdown every day.“

He is addressing an aspect that is often ignored in transfer debates. FC Bayern offers ideal sporting conditions, but requires enormous mental resilience. Every mistake is dissected, every dip in form is publicly assessed. Müller makes it clear that this pressure can become a burden even for absolute top players – and not every young star can deal with it immediately

This is precisely why, in his view, it is almost paradoxical: Wirtz would have been better off in Munich in sporting terms, but the move would have taken an even greater toll on him in media and psychological terms than his current path in England. Müller’s assessment is therefore less a criticism of Wirtz than a realistic look at the mechanisms of the Bayern cosmos.