Updated: Thomas Müller hypothetically open to representing Germany at the Olympics

Here’s a fun little report to ponder — according to kicker, Germany U-21 coach Stefan Kuntz is planning to call Thomas Muller up for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The Bayern Munich star is almost certainly not going to be included in Jogi Low’s squad for the Euros, but Kuntz may be willing to give him another shot at representing his country.

How would this be possible? In addition to current U-21 players, the Olympics allows for three older individuals. Muller, who won the world cup Golden Boot in 2010, would be a spectacular candidate for one of the spots — provided that he agrees to go. Bayern Munich would have to give their consent as well, because clubs are not obligated to release their players for the Olympics.

Having a world cup winner like Muller would certainly boost Germany’s chances of taking home a gold medal at the Olympics. However, it would also mean that he will be 100% unable to represent Germany at the 2020 Euros, because the DFB has agreed that no player can play both the Euros and the Olympics in the same summer. However, given Jogi’s stubbornness, Muller was unlikely to be called up anyway.

Honestly, this seems like a great opportunity for der Raumdeuter to get back on the international stage and show his worth. Perhaps a strong Ruckrunde followed by a good performance in the Olympics might help him earn his spot back National Team, especially if Germany under-perform at the Euros. With Jogi’s famed stubbornness at play, there’s no point in holding out for a call-up. If Stefan Kuntz comes calling for Tokyo 2020, Thomas Muller should accept the opportunity with open arms.

Müller: Not the highest priority, but a cool idea

Thomas Müller spoke to Sport1 about the idea of representing Germany at the Olympics. His wife Lisa Müller might also make the German dressage team in light of her recent competitive successes. Hence Herr und Frau Müller could hypothetically both go to the Olympics. But Thomas told Sport1 they are focusing on other goals right now:

That’s a cool idea, but both for me and for my wife, that is not the highest priority in 2020. I have very big goals with FC Bayern in the next five months. My wife has her sights set for now on other tournaments, so the Olympics is still very far away. But if one can dream a whole lot, of course that would be something really cool.

Sport1 reports that Kuntz has until January 15 to put Müller on the National Anti-Doping Agency’s list for the competition. Müller’s buddy, former Bayern striker, and diehard Bayern fan Sandro Wagner will definitely be one of the three senior players Kuntz takes to Tokyo. Müller was not sure how preparing for the Olympics would work with Bayern’s preseason next summer, but he is at least open to the idea:

I don’t know what circumstances would have to factor in so that I can play in the Olympics, if the club teams are already preparing for the season in August. That would be unusual. I’ll put it this way: never say never. But the Olympics is not yet specifically a part of my plans. I’ll take things as they come.