Thomas Müller is not expected to play an international match this season. Manuel Neuer has to fight for the post as number one in the German goal after his hoped-for return. Shortly before the nomination of the national team squad for the first test matches after the World Cup disaster, Hansi Flick (58) gave insights into his personnel planning on the way to Euro 2024. Even prominent Bayern players have to prove themselves again to the national coach in the rebuilding towards the home tournament.

"Thomas Müller will not be part of the next two measures. That's discussed with him, I want to give younger players a chance with the national team," Flick said in an interview with "Kicker". In March and June, Müller will be missing from the squad. At the earliest in September, the Bayern veteran will return to the DFB circle shortly before his 34th birthday, if Flick then sees a need.

Tournament perspective there

The agreement does not mean "that his DFB career is over and he plays no role for the European Championship. Why should I close the door to such a player forever?" said Flick in an interview with the "Süddeutsche Zeitung". This tournament perspective applies in the same way to veteran Ilkay Gündogan (32) of Manchester City.

Captain Neuer doesn't get a free ticket either. After an outstanding comeback after his broken leg, the Bayern goalkeeper, who celebrates his 37th birthday at the end of the month, must face the competitive pressure. "The performance concept is in the foreground. Nothing is set in stone – Manu knows that," Flick said. From a return of Neuer, however, the national coach assumes. "I am convinced that he will reach his performance limit when he becomes one hundred percent fit again," Flick emphasized.

Against Peru in Mainz on 25 March and three days later in Cologne against Belgium, Marc-André ter Stegen (30) of FC Barcelona was named by Flick as the new representative. Kevin Trapp (32) of Eintracht Frankfurt moves into the role of the challenger. Flick names his squad for the two games on Friday.

On the Müller position in the offensive, Flick wants to entrust younger players with more responsibility on the way to the European Championship. He explicitly named Kai Havertz (23) from Chelsea FC. "Kai is a brilliant footballer, very reflective and very mature in his personality. Our job is to help such players take the next step and take responsibility in the national team," said Flick.