Joachim Löw: "Thomas Müller could make Germany squad for 2020 Olympic Games"
Germany coach Joachim Löw has confirmed that Bayern Munich forward Thomas Müller is in contention to make the country’s squad for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Müller, 30, is eligible to feature as one of three over 23 players (born before 1 January 1997) that each country can name in their final 18-man squads.
It was Löw took the decision not to extend the 100-cap career of Müller and fellow 2014 FIFA World Cup winners Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels in March last year, but he says Müller is very much in the running for Tokyo after speaking to Stefan Kuntz, who will lead the side in Japan.
"I met [Germany U21 coach] Stefan Kuntz before Christmas and we discussed a few things,” said Löw.
“The European Championships and Olympics are coming up, two big events. He gave me a few names that could be an option for him. It's his decision. They'll probably meet at the end of the season once we've named our squad.
“There's still time, and all the ideas he mentioned were exciting. Müller's on the [WADA] doping list, which you have to hand in early. It's definitely a possibility."
Müller has spoken previously of his interest in representing Germany at this summer’s Olympics and there is the prospect of both him and wife, Lisa Müller - who is in the reckoning for a spot on the country’s dressage team - could both compete.
“That’s a cool idea, but for both my wife and I, that's not the highest priority in 2020,” he told Sport1. “I have very big goals with Bayern in the next five months. My wife has her sights set for now on other tournaments, so the Olympics is still very far away. But if one can dream a whole lot, of course that’d be something really cool.”
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The eight-time Bundesliga winner was given further backing by DFB director of national teams and academies Oliver Bierhoff, the 70-cap former Germany striker,
"Of course it's interesting to take older players with you. Firstly because of their quality and secondly their experience,” said the 1996 UEFA European Championship winner.
“I told Stefan before that he could make full use of it, and Thomas Müller is one of those players.
“We shouldn't rule out any former international. Thomas Müller is a world-renowned name. Stefan has to think about it."
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