Interview: We are at the same level as Barcelona: Thomas Mueller (2-last)

Xinhua: You mean: you don't mind being the figurehead for Bayern Munich?

Mueller: I might be Bavarian but I don't feel like a real figurehead. It's maybe a nice coincidence. I was born in Bavaria, I'm in a good mood (laughing) most of the time and I don't mind showing it. I feel Bavarian. If people see me as a real Bavarian, they can do so, yes maybe I am, but it's nothing I create, I am what I am. I don't mind playing the role, not for the people, not for the club.

Xinhua: You mean: To be the "Bavarian" in the team and to carry that reputation around the globe is something you like and have fun with?

Mueller: (Smiling) Yes. What this club stands for ties in with what I like.

Xinhua: Let's talk about the next job you and Bayern have to do as nice Bavarians. You came away from the first leg of the last 16 in the Champions League with a 2-2 draw. Does that mean Juventus will have to take more risks in Bayern?

Mueller: I don't expect Juve to open up their game dramatically, much more than they did in the first game. One goal would be enough for them to proceed to the next round if we don't score. At least they won't start with something like that.

Xinhua: So it doesn't help to try to create a match plan in advance, let's say to be prepared?

Mueller: Definitely not. Just imagine you would be only prepared for this or that, I guess your chances to win are fewer. So I prefer to have several strategies and tactical systems. And no doubt most clubs on the international stage do the same.

Xinhua: Next hard question: You don't want to talk about the favorites to win this season's Champions League like Barcelona or Real Madrid?

Mueller: (laughing) Did I miss something? I was told we play Juventus of Turin this Wednesday, the team that reached the final in 2015. It would give me a strange feeling to be honest to talk about anything beyond that. Put it clearly, our Champions League campaign at present is alive until Wednesday, after that we will see.

Xinhua: You don't feel there's an obligation to win this year's Champions League? Given that it will be Pep Guardiola's last season.

Mueller: We as players are ambitious, so is the club, but you can't plan to win the Champions League. We want to win it but if we don't, it's far from being a catastrophe. Football is not only about titles, no doubt they are important but football is more. It's about developing a team tactically, team spirit and so on. Just look at the fact that, until now, no club has been able to defend their Champions League title. It means: There are many teams that have the chance but only one will be successful. And, there are many good clubs around.

Xinhua: Bayern coach Pep Guardiola will leave the club at the end of the season to join Manchester City. At the moment it looks as if this is not affecting the team's day-to-day work.

Mueller: It does not because we still have goals together. We have a good moral as a team, including the coach. We know as a top team how we have to react on the pitch. It's no secret that the team would have loved to have continued working with Pep Guardiola. But he has different expectations regarding his future. That's ok for us.

Xinhua: Let's get back to the favorites for this season's Champions League. What would you think about meeting Barcelona?

Mueller: Everybody can see from week to week how good the Barcelona team is. But at the same time people could take a look at us and say, yes they are strong too. As I said, predictions don't make sense. But I can say. Should we be drawn to play Barcelona, we will be prepared. I see ourselves at the top of Europe, together with Barcelona.

Xinhua: Having won the treble in 2013, do you see it as being something special to win the treble again?

Mueller: To win the treble is something very special. But at the same time it's special that Bayern Munich every year is among the teams that are capable of winning three titles. To win all three is extremely hard. A great club like Bayern Munich has managed to win the treble once in 116 years.

Xinhua: Looking at the season's goal besides the league championship, the German Cup and the Champions League, we have to talk about EURO 2016 in France between June 10 and July 10. What are your goals with the German team?

Mueller: I'm not looking forward to a tournament like that because I want a full flush of titles. When I think of Euro 2016 in France, I look forward to working with the team and as a team. Of course, we want to win the tournament in the end. But like in the Champions League, there are several countries wanting the same. It will be a great challenge even for a world champion, many expect to win the tournament. It'll be a challenge to show, after a less than perfect qualification, that we are still capable of the highest class.

Xinhua: You scored nine goals for Germany in the qualifiers. Is that something you want to continue in France?

Mueller: Looking at France, and the club, I don't look first and foremost at my goals. It's great to score some but the main task is to help the team and help it be successful. I'm not keen to win any top-scorer trophies. I'm keen on scoring of course but only with the aim of us winning as a team. Enditem