Coutinho's arrival puts no pressure on Muller

Philippe Coutinho came on as a substitute for Thomas Muller in Bayern Munich's win over Schalke, but Muller believes the two players have different styles and can stick together.

Philippe Coutinho replaces Thomas Muller during the Bayern Munich's match against FC Schalke 04 at Veltins-Arena on Saturday.

Philippe Coutinho got the first taste of Bundesliga in Bayern Munich's 3-0 win over FC Schalke 04 at Veltins Arena on Saturday.

The Brazilian, who is on a loan transfer from Barcelona, substituted Thomas Muller in the second half, while Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick.

However, 2014 World Cup winner Muller doesn't see Coutinho's arrival at Bayern as a pressure for him.

"We are different players, he is very flexible and (has) got good movements with the ball and he needs guys to pass the ball in the box...I think we can stick together," Muller said.

Bayern is going through a transition in the absence of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, but Muller thinks his team has got talented players to fill the void.

"It is a special situation. Both of them (Robben and Ribery) were around for 10-11 years. They have big footsteps and we also have very talented players to step into these footsteps."

Muller is confident about Bayern doing well in Champions League after failing to make it to the quarterfinals last time.

"It was sad to go out in the last-16 stage against Liverpool. But this year we want to go forward to the final and that is our goal but in Champions League anything can happen. Next week is the draw and we are very excited," he said.

Football and Germany

It is football that connects people of Germany and Muller says for his countrymen it is an emotional sport.

"The whole country (Germany) loves this sport like cricket in India. On Monday, the workers talk about football and again on Thursday after the Champions League games. It is a very emotional game for us."

 

(The writer is in Germany on an invitation from Bundesliga)