Bayern Munich coach, Niko Kovac, received the backing of club president Uli Hoeness Monday over his decision to leave Thomas Mueller on the substitutes’ bench.
Mueller has lost his place in the starting line-up following the arrival of Philippe Coutinho and has not started the last six games.
The former Germany international was a late substitute for Coutinho in Bayern’s 2-2 draw at Augsburg on Saturday.
“It was clear that if (Coutinho) arrives, it will be more difficult for Thomas,” Hoeness said on the eve of Bayern’s Champions League game at Greek side Olympiakos.
Hoeness critized the media reporting of Mueller’s position at the club.
“Every week you continue the story,” he told reporters. You force the coach to pick him (Mueller). That’s just a disgrace.”
He added: “Thomas can play in the position of Coutinho – wonderful, then Coutinho cannot play.”
To suggestions that Mueller could play in a wide position alongside Coutinho, Hoeness said “everyone knows he can’t do that so well” and “he doesn’t like it either.”
Hoeness meanwhile said defender Niklas Suele could write off the rest of the season including next year’s Euro 2020 tournament after rupturing a knee ligament.
“The way it looks, the season is over. The European Championship can be disregarded, you can totally forget it,” Hoeness said.
The Germany central defender underwent surgery in Innsbruck on Sunday after tearing a cruciate ligament in his left knee in the 2-2 draw on Saturday at Augsburg in the Bundesliga.
