Bayern Munich star Thomas Müller admits he’s annoyed at new role, contract extension not certain

Bayern Munich star Thomas Müller has seen his role reduced this season under Thomas Tuchel.

While he is handling the situation like a professional, Müller admitted that he is annoyed to Sport Bild.

“It’s also clear that it annoys me when I’m not on the pitch. But we currently have an almost oversupply of quality players in attack. Everyone has to swallow it sometimes,” Müller detailed (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “I definitely want to play for another year beyond 2024. At least that’s my plan. I’m still enjoying being on the pitch – I hope that’s showing.”

If that sounds like Müller is resigned to his situation or is accepting it, you might not be getting the full message. Per Sport Bild, neither the club, nor the veteran are 100% certain that there will be a contract extension for the Bayern Munich legend:

Thomas Müller has told Bayern bosses that he’s not planning to retire before 2025. The club is now planning initial contract talks with the player in the coming weeks. A contract extension, however, is not 100% certain. With around €20m/year, Müller is one of the top earners at the club.

Müller has sacrificed playing time...will he sacrifice salary next?

BFW Analysis

As rumors emerged that Jamal Musiala was not fully happy and would consider a move, Müller’s playing time became less and less. Musiala is still a terrific talent, but has not been the most consistent player this season for the Bavarians to warrant such a standing.

Musiala has four goals and three assists in 14 games across all competitions, while playing 953 minutes. Müller, meanwhile, has two goals and five assists this season in 14 games across all competition, while playing just 483 minutes.

While Musiala is the future for the No. 10 position at Bayern Munich (as long as he stays at the club), should there be an urgency to play him so much, when he has been up-and-down since the World Cup ended last winter? Moreover, should the club be intimidated by the transfer rumors that have popped up and live in fear of Musiala leaving if he does not get everything he wants? Even more, could Tuchel find a way to play Müller and Musiala together on occasion to help mitigate the situation?

Whatever happens, if there is any pussyfooting around Musiala’s — alleged — rumors or demands, this could be a dangerous trend for the club to set. For Müller, he will no doubt be monitoring everything as the season goes on.

The situation is not just about Musiala, though. Tuchel is the man calling the shots and he does not appear to have much use for Müller these days.

At 34-years-old, his on-field value to other clubs is being minimized by the day, while his off-the-field worth to Bayern Munich is likely off-the-charts. Realistically, it would be very hard for Müller to move to another big club and have a serious role. If he wants that kind of position within a team, a smaller club might be the way to go.

Regardless, tough decisions will have to be made by both Müller and the club and there is no guarantee from either side that the relationship will continue at this stage, even if it seems hard to imagine.

The feeling, however, is that a deal will get done, but maybe not to the full satisfaction of either side (Bayern Munich will have to pay more than it wants to, Müller will not get the playing time he wants).