When Thomas Müller entered the Säbener Strasse media centre prior to Monday lunchtime training, he brought a mystery object with him. “It’s a health drink with tomato juice and so on,” he explained, indicating the glass in his hand. The special mix apparently supplies extra energy, “but I can’t recommend it,” the player grinned.
However, he soon downed the magic liquid without apparent discomfort. After all, Bayern need all the energy they can muster for the last four fixtures before a relatively long winter break, starting with Wednesday’s CSKA Moscow clash. “There’ll be a lot of people at the stadium and we want to make them happy. That’s our job,” commented Müller, calling for total focus on the final Champions League Group E encounter at the Allianz Arena.
‘We’ll give it everything'
Sebastian Rode was also a welcome face at Monday’s scheduled press conference. “The fans want to see a decent match,” remarked the 24-year-old, “and we want to sign off for Christmas in the Champions League with a successful evening.” Naturally, Europe’s elite club competition is “always a bit special,” said summer arrival Rode, “my target was always to play in the Champions League and my dream has become reality.”
“We just want to keep going, because it’ll mean we can enjoy a relaxed holiday season,” added Müller, “we’ll do everything we can to win all our remaining matches.” The 25-year-old revealed a few of his priorities for the forthcoming break: “I’ll try and get away from football for a bit. I can’t imagine I’ll kick a ball for the entire three weeks.” There’s no danger he’ll lose his appetite for the game though: “Once we’ve rung in the New Year and it’s time for the winter training camp, you’re up for it again.”
