Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness has offered a candid assessment of the club's past and present, comparing the outspoken nature of legendary forward Thomas Müller to the more reserved character of current winger Michael Olise. Hoeness made the comments in an interview with DAZN, conducted as Bayern prepared to host Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.
Speaking about Müller, who left Bayern for Vancouver Whitecaps in 2023 after a storied career, Hoeness reflected on the player's final years at the Allianz Arena. "Thomas spoke more than he played football," Hoeness said, according to the interview. "In the end, he was just the spokesman and I really have no problem with him. But he nevertheless very skillfully knew how to sell himself, even when he was on the bench with us." Müller scored 250 goals and provided 276 assists in 756 appearances for Bayern, winning two Champions League titles and the 2014 World Cup with Germany.
Hoeness then contrasted Müller's persona with that of Michael Olise, the French international who joined Bayern from Crystal Palace last summer. "Everyone must live as they are," Hoeness said. "Michael is more of an introvert, who concentrates strongly on his job and doesn't really want to express himself constantly on the internet or on social networks." The 74-year-old former footballer and long-time Bayern executive did not offer a sporting comparison between the two players, instead highlighting a clear difference in their public personalities.
The comments come at a time when Olise is still establishing himself at Bayern following his reported €60 million move. The 22-year-old has shown flashes of his talent but has also faced adaptation challenges and injury setbacks in his first Bundesliga season. Hoeness's remarks underscore the club's appreciation for Olise's focused, low-profile approach as they build a new attacking unit post-Müller.
Hoeness's interview touched on broader club matters but did not provide any update on Bayern's transfer plans or managerial situation. The primary focus for the club remains the crucial Champions League tie against PSG, where they will look to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg in Paris. The outcome of that match could significantly influence the direction of the club's summer rebuild, in which Olise is expected to play a key role.
