Hansi Müller reflects on his time in Italy, looks ahead to Como-Inter clash
Former West Germany and Inter midfielder Hansi Müller has spoken of his enduring affection for Italian football and his two former clubs, who meet in a crucial Serie A fixture this weekend. In an interview, the 66-year-old World Cup finalist reflected on his time in Italy with Inter and Como, and shared his thoughts on the modern game.
Müller, who played for Inter from 1982 to 1984 and Como in the 1984-85 season, remains a keen observer of Serie A from his home in Germany. "I watch a lot of it, on TV and in the stadium," Müller said, according to the interview. "My wife often looks at me strangely, it's hard for her to understand my passion for it."
His focus is now on the upcoming match between his two former clubs. The former West German international expressed particular delight at Como's remarkable season. "I suffered when they were in the lower leagues. Now, it’s a great surprise. It's a great team, mature, with a lot of self-belief and incredible results," Müller said. He contrasted this with his other former club, noting Inter's high expectations and the pressure they face after a disappointing Champions League exit.
Müller's move to Inter in 1982 was a high-profile transfer, but his time in Italy was hampered by injuries. He also addressed the long-held perception of a rivalry with teammate Evaristo Beccalossi at Inter, which he says was fabricated. "It was a duality created from the outside. We played in different positions. We got on well and had a good relationship, there was no envy," Müller stated, dismissing the notion that they were competing for the same role.
He also recounted his brief, unexpected music career, having featured on a 1980 single with Raoul Casadei's orchestra, a fact now featured in the German Football Museum. On the pitch, his time at Como was defined by a gritty, determined style under coach Ottavio Bianchi. Müller recalled Bianchi's instructions: "He told us, 'Guys, don't start trying to put on a show, nobody expects that from us. We need to have guts and grit to stay in Serie A.' We were a team of battlers." The team secured their top-flight status with a final-day 0-0 draw against AC Milan in 1985, a match Müller missed through injury.
Looking to the weekend's game, Müller, who played in a 0-0 draw between the sides in 1985, is hoping for a more entertaining spectacle. "Please, no more 0-0," he joked. "Maybe 3-3. Let it be a great game, because both teams have shown they can play great football." He also expressed a dream scenario for the future: "My dream would be to see Como and Stuttgart in the Champions League next year."
