Bayern preparing for Muller huge farewell at home
Newly crowned Bundesliga champion Bayern Munich is preparing for an emotional final home game of the season as it bids farewell to club legend Thomas Muller.
Bayern secured its 34th German title on Monday (AEST) without kicking a ball as rival Bayer Leverkusen was held to a 2-2 draw by Freiburg, leaving the leader with an unassailable eight-point lead with two games left to play.
Although there is no sporting goal left to achieve, coach Vincent Kompany says Bayern will be ready to go when it hosts ninth-placed Borussia Monchengladbach this weekend, in Muller's final home game before he leaves on a free transfer.
Muller first joined Bayern at the age of 10 and has helped it to 13 Bundesliga titles, six DFB-Pokal wins, eight DFL-Supercups and two UEFA Champions Leagues since his 2008 senior debut.
Kompany is determined to give Muller the send-off he deserves, saying: "This week has been like every other week. We've prepared because it's an important match for us.
"We don't have less pressure for the final two matches. We're carrying on. We want to win this game, it's Thomas Muller's last match at the Allianz Arena, it's a celebration for everyone.
"We want to experience a perfect Saturday if the preparation is good. It won't be an easy task, the opponents are good."
Last month, Muller became the 13th player to make 500 Bundesliga appearances and the fourth to do so with all of his outings coming for a single club.
"It will certainly be very emotional, I don't know whether more for Thomas or the people around him," Kompany added.
"These are great moments, I've experienced it myself. I know Thomas too, he's still a fighter who always wants to show what we can do. He has a very special relationship with the fans."
Muller has largely been a substitute this season and Kompany has been known for being strict when it comes to revealing his line-up prior to games.
However, when asked whether the 35-year-old would start against Gladbach, the former Manchester City defender hinted that will be the case.
"I want to stay consistent but I'm not stupid, so let's wait and see tomorrow. I don't want to spoil the party, though," Kompany said.
