Ahead of their clash with Porto on Wednesday, the attacker stated Pep Guardiola’s side do not have the same internal rivalry due to player absences
Thomas Muller thinks competition for places within Bayern Munich has been crippled by their current injury crisis.
The Bavarians had only three outfield players on the bench in Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, with the likes of Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, David Alaba and Bastian Schweinsteiger among those currently sidelined.
Ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg at Porto, Muller revealed the detrimental impact injuries have had on the team, yet he hopes that they can use the situation to their advantage.
“Due to injuries, the competition within the squad has become less existent,” the 25-year-old attacking midfielder told reporters.
“It puts our performances more in the foreground. It’s now crucial to really become a team together.”
Bayern, who won the Champions League two seasons ago, are favourites against the Portuguese side and Muller is excited about getting a chance to shine at the Estadio do Dragao.
“I’ve never played against Porto before,” the Germany international added. “I’m looking forward to seeing what the stadium is like.
“Porto like to keep use possession to their advantage and are not the sort of team that will pile 10 players behind the ball. We’re hopeful we can score a few goals, though.
“We have a strong reputation to uphold and obviously that’s our goal for Wednesday.”