Question: Franck Ribéry made his return to the starting line-up after almost nine months out injured. When he came on against Gladbach at the weekend, he scored. How close is he to being back to his best after just one week in training?
Müller: He hasn't trained much, but he showed in Gladbach what he's capable of. He hasn't lost anything. I don't know if he's able to play 90 minutes regularly at the moment, but he gives the team momentum. We'll see what happens from here.
Question: The draw for the Champions League round of 16 takes place on Monday in Nyon. Is there a particular team you'd like to see? Or one you'd rather avoid?
Müller: I don't know yet what I'll be doing on Monday at 12:00. The team might watch the draw together at Säbener Street, we'll see. I've said every year that I don't mind, and that remains true.
Question: On Saturday you play your last Bundesliga home match of the year against promoted side FC Ingolstadt. After 15 games, they're in eleventh place on 20 points. Does it susprise you to see them so high up?
Müller: Surprisingly not. I'd already picked up on it as I've been paying a bit of attention to how they play. Their style means that they'd be successful in any league. They were obviously underestimated early on, especially in pre-season. You're never rated highly at the beginning of the season as a promoted side. One thing is clear: we have a nice challenge on Saturday. It'll be hard, but we want to draw on our strengths at home and, if possible, build on them.
Question: How much strength do you have left in your legs after this long year?
Müller: I should have enough for the last three games before the winter break, including the home game in the cup against Darmstadt.
After yesterday's convincing 2-0 away win over Dinamo Zagreb in their final Champions League group-stage game, FC Bayern München can be satisfied with their six performances in Europe's premier club competition this season. In particular, their 19 goals scored and just three goals conceded represent a record for a German side.
World Cup winner Thomas Müller is one player who played no small part in the success of the German champions. The 26-year-old Germany international didn't score in Zagreb, missing a penalty shortly before the final whistle, but nonetheless has five goals to his name in the competition this season. Müller spoke to DFB.de about the win in Croatia, the upcoming knockout rounds and the remaining challenges before the end of the year.
Question: Mr Müller, FC Bayern set a group-stage record with the 2-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb. 15 points and 19 goals, with a goal difference of plus 16. No German team has ever managed that in the group stage before.
Thomas Müller: We're very happy. I think we played well in the end and created a few more chances in the second half. It was a fun game to play in, and it was very lively in the second period, so everything was alright.
Question: Do you blame yourself for your missed penalty in the 87th minute?
Müller: Yes, of course. It's never good to miss a penalty. I sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, as I wanted to, but unfortunately I turned my hips just a bit too wide.
Question: Sven Ulreich replaced Manuel Neuer in goal. How do you think Bayern's number two performed on his Champions League debut?
Müller: He kept a clean sheet and made a good save from a one-on-one in the first half, so you have to give him credit.
Question: Franck Ribéry made his return to the starting line-up after almost nine months out injured. When he came on against Gladbach at the weekend, he scored. How close is he to being back to his best after just one week in training?
Müller: He hasn't trained much, but he showed in Gladbach what he's capable of. He hasn't lost anything. I don't know if he's able to play 90 minutes regularly at the moment, but he gives the team momentum. We'll see what happens from here.
Question: The draw for the Champions League round of 16 takes place on Monday in Nyon. Is there a particular team you'd like to see? Or one you'd rather avoid?
Müller: I don't know yet what I'll be doing on Monday at 12:00. The team might watch the draw together at Säbener Street, we'll see. I've said every year that I don't mind, and that remains true.
Question: On Saturday you play your last Bundesliga home match of the year against promoted side FC Ingolstadt. After 15 games, they're in eleventh place on 20 points. Does it susprise you to see them so high up?
Müller: Surprisingly not. I'd already picked up on it as I've been paying a bit of attention to how they play. Their style means that they'd be successful in any league. They were obviously underestimated early on, especially in pre-season. You're never rated highly at the beginning of the season as a promoted side. One thing is clear: we have a nice challenge on Saturday. It'll be hard, but we want to draw on our strengths at home and, if possible, build on them.
Question: How much strength do you have left in your legs after this long year?
Müller: I should have enough for the last three games before the winter break, including the home game in the cup against Darmstadt.
