Müller: “Came on earlier than expected”

Germany international Thomas Müller spoke to the media after FC Bayern’s 3-1 victory at VfB Stuttgart about his surprising early introduction into the game, FCB’s cushion to Dortmund and the Champions League return fixture in Lisbon.

Question: Mr. Müller, what is your verdict after FC Bayern’s 3-1 win at Stuttgart?

Thomas Müller: It’s a good result, as we managed to win. I think we dominated the game for long spells, but Stuttgart also had ten minutes where they had chances to score the equaliser. Our games in Stuttgart are always the same: We can never be certain that a victory is secured. But in the end our strengths trumped Stuttgart’s.

Question: You matched a club record with this 12th consecutive Bundesliga victory against Stuttgart, having achieved the same feat previously against Nürnberg and Freiburg.

Müller: One of your colleagues just informed me about that as well. Overall we have won our last 15 competitive games against Stuttgart. Despite the wins against Stuttgart in the recent past we have never really cruised to victory. It has always been a tough battle. That’s what’s good about the game of football, it makes it exciting.

Question: You started the game from the bench but came in quite early after 27 minutes. Were you surprised?

Müller: Yes, I came on earlier than I expected (laughs).

Question: Coach Pep Guardiola brought Arturo Vidal out because he was in danger of being sent off.

Müller: On the bench we were already a bit nervous and discussing amongst each other after Arturo’s first fouls and his yellow card. It was tactical substitution - that’s it. Arturo wasn’t reckless or committing brutal fouls. He simply conceded a foul in three challenges that he was involved in. There likely would’ve been more situations in this game where he would need to make an intervention so you just never know.

Question: Did you have to console him afterwards?

Müller: Obviously he was disappointed at first, but in the end everything was fine. Arturo will not let this get to him.

Question: Schalke host your closest pursuers Borussia Dortmund on Sunday in the Ruhr-derby. You’re likely hoping that your advantage over BVB will be more than five points after this matchday?

Müller: We obviously won’t be sitting behind our TVs on Sunday and root for Dortmund (laughs). It would be good for us if they drop points, as it would give us a good cushion at the top. Perhaps it would be a major turning point in the title race, but I don’t live by wondering what could happen in the future. I only focus on what’s happening right here and right now.

Question: Let's take a look into the future: Will this 3-1 victory help you in your Champions League return leg at Benfica Lisbon?

Müller: The game is on Wednesday, so we still have some time. We will prepare well for the game and then look to progress to the semi-final.

Question: Bayern have recently been criticised, for earning a lot of narrow victories.

Müller: We don’t shape our style around public discussions. There was a chance today for another 1-0 victory or for us perhaps not to score at all. All these discussions are perfectly fine by me. If we keep winning our games 1-0 it also shows a certain skill and cleverness.

Question: What areas can the team still improve on currently?

Müller: Of course we have to try and improve our efficiency. We left a couple of goals out there in recent weeks - it’s true. But there is no wishful thinking in football and none of us are missing our chances on purpose. We’ll just keeping working hard and hope for the best.