Hermann “Tiger” Gerland, the legendary assistant coach of FC Bayern Munich, sees Thomas Müller as a solution to the problem of the German record champions in the storm center.
For the 68-year-old Gerland, who coached Müller in the 2008/09 season with the Bayern amateurs and later also accompanied the Bayern professionals for a long time as an assistant coach, there are no doubts. “Of course Thomas can play the nine,” said Gerland in “Sport Bild”.
Gerland, who has been Antonio di Salvo’s assistant coach in the German U21 national team since September 2021, recalled Müller’s early days with Munich, where he also helped out at the front when there was a need – and did a good job.
“He may not be a real nine, but as a young player in the third division he always played the nine for me if I didn’t have another,” explained the “Tiger”.
As a nine, Thomas Müller scores every 127 minutes at Bayern
After Robert Lewandowski’s move to FC Barcelona, FC Bayern is still looking for the 1A solution in the center of the attack. 33-year-old Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and 17-year-old young talent Mathys Tel are not (yet) considered permanent starting XI candidates.
After the 2-2 draw in the Bundesliga top game at Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Honorary President Uli Hoeneß reignited the striker debate. “One thing is for sure, I think we’re missing a nine,” said Hoeneß on the “Sunday regulars’ table” on “BR Fernsehen”.
For Müller, the position as the only striker is not the preferred option, he prefers to play on the “ten”. However, there is no question that the 33-year-old DFB national player can take over the position in the center of the attack on Säbener Straße.
In 19 Bundesliga games, which he completed as a nine, Müller scored nine goals. He scored a goal every 127 minutes. In no other position does Müller, who is also considered a strong header, have such a good value.