Loew: Muller's Euro 2016 hard to explain

Mueller said he always tried to remain upbeat despite his struggles in France, as he lifted Germany to two wins from as many games in qualifying.

Germany forward Thomas Mueller netted twice in a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic on Saturday.

Germany coach Joachim Loew believes Thomas Mueller's poor Euro 2016 was unexplainable, but normal for a forward. Mueller endured a poor European Championship, failing to score in 570 minutes as Germany was beaten in the semifinals by host France.

But the Bayern Munich star has started the World Cup qualifiers in fine form, netting four times – including twice in a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic on Saturday. Loew struggles to explain Muller's problems at Euro 2016, but said every forward had their patches.

"I don't think we have to look for a specific reason," he said. "A striker has phases, where he doesn't score goals and is a bit unlucky. And that was the case for Thomas Mueller at the Euros. But he is a player, who can always score goals and he showed that today. It is hard to find an explanation."

"Since the 2010 World Cup, Thomas Mueller is scoring in the Bundesliga and with the national team at a very high rate. It is normal that you then go through a phase like he did at the Euros."

Mueller said he always tried to remain upbeat despite his struggles in France, as he lifted Germany to two wins from as many games in qualifying.

He said: "I have always said that I do not pay much attention to what is said. Not to the positive and not to the negative. I will always try to stay on the right path, listen only to my coaches and my inner voice. If there is good advice from journalists, I will take that as well."

"I try to take the good and use it to stay focused. As a striker you always try to convert your chances, give everything when training. That's it."