Interim coach of Bayern Munich Jupp Heynckes is set to afford big roles at the club to Jerome Boateng, Thomas Muller and Mats Hummels.
Müller spoke out after being benched for Bayern’s 2-0 win at Werder Bremen on Matchday 2, : “Obviously my qualities are not entirely wanted. I don't know what the coach [Ancelotti] expects of me.”
It seems there should be no doubt in the 28-year-old’s mind under Heynckes, the coach with whom he won the treble of Bundesliga, DFB Cup and UEFA Champions League in the 2012/13 season, though.
“In team hierarchies, it’s necessary that players are leaders both on the pitch and in the dressing room,” Heynckes was quoted as saying by Goal. “Thomas [Müller] can do that. He’s smart enough, and we also recognise everything he’s already done for this club. He’s still a tremendous player.”
Many of the squad were on the books in Baravia during Heynckes' previous stint, but additions such as Hummels – who joined from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2016 – also look set to play a major role under the 72-year-old coach.
“We need a hierarchy and leaders that can decide on issues that concern the team, for example Mats Hummels or Jerome Boateng. They’re world champions and proven players. When they’re fit they’re superb players. They also have to want to be leaders. You can only do that through your performances and your footballing intelligence, and also your standing in the team.”
Heynckes will take to the Bayern dugout for the first time in four years when the record Bundesliga champions welcome Freiburg to the Allianz Arena on Saturday afternoon.