Toni Kroos defends Löw’s decision to keep Thomas Müller out of the national team

The expulsion of Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels and Thomas Müller from the squad after Germany’s humiliating exit from the 2018 World Cup had caused a wave of criticism from pundits and fans around the world. As new tournaments approach, the future of these players remains unclear. Ahead of Germany’s Nations League group stage fixture against Switzerland on Sunday, interim captain Toni Kroos gave a brief interview on how Joachim Löw plans to run the team in the coming years and why veterans including Müller did not make the cut.

A few days back, the coach himself shared his thoughts on Müller’s possible return to the national team. Although the Raumdeuter had a commendable season under Hansi Flick and was a key player in Bayern Munich’s (second) treble winning team, Löw does not see Müller fitting in his plans for the nation. He said, (via Goal) “Müller return to Germany? He is a great player, no doubt. I’m not a fortune teller, I can’t see the future. But I have said that we have Werner, Havertz, Sané and others, and the future belongs to them. They need space to develop.”

Kroos continued to defend Löw’s decision to not include Müller on the team. According to him, the coach has drafted plans for the long term future of the national team, (via Goal) “Thomas played a great season, but for the national coach it’s not just about the shape of today “[It’s] about [how he shapes] the project for the next few years.”

“He wants to give space to players like Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sane and Kai Havertz. That’s why my feelings tell me that he will not look backwards for his selections. Kai is of great quality. If he continues like this, he will be difficult to stop as a player”, added Kroos.

No matter how vital his presence could be, it looks like it is time for Müller to move on from his national team duties.