Mueller: We Can Win Games Like This; As Long as Bayern is at the Top, There’s No Problem

In this round of the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich drew 3-3 with Eintracht Frankfurt. After the game, Bayern’s midfielder Thomas Mueller was interviewed by former player Michael Ballack.

Talking about the late goal conceded, Mueller said, “The game was already in the 93rd minute, and we could have tried to kick the ball towards the corner flag. When the score was 3-3, things got a bit messy on the field. Malmo showed great performance, but lost out in a header duel with Kim Min-jae. However, his subsequent active running put Kim Min-jae in an unfavorable position. In the final stages of the game, our defense became extremely difficult.”

Regarding the process of the 3-3 goal, Mueller added, “This was clearly not the result we were hoping for.”

Ballack commented, “Just like Wednesday’s game, Bayern completely dominated the field.”

To which Mueller responded, “Like Wednesday? I think today’s game was more intense. If I were a member of Frankfurt, I might have raised the white flag long ago. Although today’s game ended in a 3-3 draw, Frankfurt indeed had the ability to score more goals. Even so, I believe we should have won this match. If we play another 15 games like this, I believe we can win at least 13 of them. When you can suppress your opponent away from home like this, it proves that our tactics are effective. No team is perfect. Today, I haven’t experienced such game enjoyment for a long time. The suppression of our opponents made me very satisfied. Bayern created many scoring opportunities, and we must also acknowledge that Frankfurt’s goalkeeper performed excellently. I almost scored a goal for the team in the 90th minute; if it were someone else, that ball would have gone in.”

Ballack offered a different perspective, “Can I offer a slightly different view?”

Mueller replied, “Of course.”

Ballack continued, “You completely dominated against Leverkusen but didn’t win; it was the same in the game against Aston Villa. Despite your clear advantage, you still failed to secure victory.”

Mueller countered, “I think the situation in the game against Aston Villa was different.”

Ballack added, “And today, you once again showed overwhelming dominance, but still did not achieve victory.”

Mueller asked, “So, how should we change this situation?”

Ballack analyzed, “The key lies in risk assessment, selection of the defensive line, sometimes individual defensive errors, and giving opponents easy scoring opportunities. These are all issues that need to be addressed.”

Mueller believed, “But our dominance is not accidental. We often create shooting opportunities from balls cleared by opponents. Players like Ekitike and Malmo show extraordinary abilities in these situations. However, I agree with your point – the last pass (referring to Kimmich’s action) was indeed unwise. Although we have failed to win three consecutive games, I am enjoying the current challenge very much. I felt very good on the field today.”

Finally, Mueller asked, “Are we still at the top?”

Ballack answered, “Yes.”

Mueller smiled and said, “Then everything is fine.”