Germany men’s national team coach Julian Nagelsmann held court ahead of Friday’s World Cup Qualifying match against Luxembourg. Among the topics — a return of Thomas Müller, not as a player but as an assistant coach.
The long-time Bayern Munich star has always demonstrated his leadership qualities. But while Nagelsmann wouldn’t rule out the possibility in the future, Müller’s current responsibilities as a Vancouver Whitecaps player would seem to be in the way of any involvement next summer.
“Thomas is definitely someone who could take on such a position,” Nagelsmann said in comments captured by @iMiaSanMia. “He still has a contract in Vancouver until December 2026. As far as I know, they’ll start training around June 26, 2026. I don’t think the coach will be so thrilled if Thomas says I won’t come until two or three weeks later because I want to be assistant coach.
“[But] what isn’t there yet could still happen sometime in the future. He has what it takes to be both head coach and assistant coach. I’ve spoken with him a few times; he’s having a great time in Vancouver right now, playing well, scoring a lot of goals. He’s driving football forward there and will want to continue doing so beyond the World Cup. That’s why I’m going out on a limb and saying he won’t be an assistant coach for me or any other coach this summer.”
