Several clubs have complained about the playing conditions in the US, particularly matches starting at midday or in the early afternoon with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. Dortmund’s substitutes reportedly sought refuge in the locker room to escape the heat, Chelsea canceled a training session, and Man City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, altered his tactics and lineup.
But Muller dismissed the weather as an excuse for poor performance. "We are professional players," the German forward said on 27/6. "We have to be at our best at all times. If someone nearing 36, like me, can run for 90 minutes, then everyone should be able to."
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Thomas Muller during Bayern Munich's training session on 27/6. Photo: FC Bayern |
Thomas Muller during Bayern Munich's training session on 27/6. Photo: FC Bayern
Bayern suffered their first-ever loss to Benfica, a 1-0 defeat in their final Group C match. This result placed them second in the group, setting up a round of 16 clash with Group D winners, Flamengo.
Muller rejected suggestions that Bayern were struggling mentally and viewed the defeat as a normal part of football. "Are we at Dortmund or something? Mental issues?", he quipped. "Sometimes you simply don't play well, react too slowly or too quickly, and lack power. We are on the right track mentally. We remain confident and will explode in the next match despite the hot weather."
At Bank of America Stadium on 24/6, Bayern dominated possession (73%) and had 13 shots with 4 on target, compared to Benfica’s 7 shots and 4 on target. However, they failed to capitalize on their chances.
Bayern manager Vincent Kompany agreed. "We created many opportunities and played very well after the break," he analyzed. "If you don't take your chances in one-on-one situations, you will pay the price."
Muller echoed his manager's assessment. "In the second half, we played well, played hard and exhausted our opponents. It was our fault that we couldn’t get at least a point," the 36-year-old striker said.
Compiled by Hong Duy
