Müller's situation at Bayern looks like a 'gradual exit' - Matthäus

Thomas Müller’s future at Bayern Munich looks bleak, according to former Germany and Bayern star Lothar Matthäus.

Journeyman Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting was preferred to the 34-year-old World Cup winner in the number 10 role at Cologne last weekend in the absence of the injured Jamal Musiala.

“If he’s confident of playing from the start like he did two years ago, then he’ll have to change clubs. You have to say that openly,” former Bayern star Matthäus said in his column for Sky.

“Müller’s situation looks like a gradual exit. Everything that comes from Bayern on the subject does not correspond to what we see week after week.”

Matthäus believes Müller still contributes when he comes off the bench or plays.

“It’s difficult to deal with this situation and it’s difficult for him to be satisfied with this situation,” Matthäus wrote.

Müller, who has a similar bit-part role for Germany, recently announced that he wanted to continue his career until at least 2025.

His contract with the German record champions, the only club he has ever played for, ends in June.

Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund said on the fringes of the 1-0 win in Cologne that talks with Müller would happen in the coming weeks.

“The situation for Thomas is different to what it was before. He’s taking it really well. He’s very important for the team, for the club,” said Freund.