Bayern chief on Müller’s departure: “Others will have to step up and take responsibility”

Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has admitted that replacing Thomas Müller “one-for-one” is impossible.

After 25 years at Bayern Munich, Thomas Müller has officially left the club.

Club president Herbert Hainer is well aware that the 35-year-old will leave a significant gap – not just on the pitch, but also off it.

“Replacing a player like Thomas Müller one-for-one is simply not possible, neither on nor off the pitch, because his career and personality are unique,” Hainer told Sport Bild.

“The way he plays and carries himself can’t be copied  – he’s a Bayern player through and through. But things move on: now others will have to step up and take responsibility.”

He went on to highlight some of the players he sees as future leaders:

“Joshua Kimmich, with his indomitable will to win, is the embodiment of Bayern DNA. Young talents from our academy like Jamal [Musiala], Aleksandar Pavlovic, and Josip Stanisic. And with Jonathan Tah, we’ve brought in a leader from Leverkusen. It will be different, but new leaders will emerge over time.”