Introduction to North American Sports
North America is a completely different sporting environment than Europe. Thomas Müller, the latest superstar of the continent from the Vancouver Whitecaps, is well aware of this fact. "Here in North America, I know that the playoffs are much more important than in the regular season. We hope that we can come to a form of shape at the right time and that Vancouver football fans can electrify again," Müller said in a media roundtable.
A Strong Start
Müller has had a great start on the field. After calling back a goal in a 1-1 draw against Houston, he achieved the winner from the penalty point to give the Whitecaps a decisive victory over St. Louis in his first start. This impressive performance has raised hopes for the team’s future.
Adapting to Life in British Columbia
Beyond the field, Müller admitted that he still adapts to life in British Columbia. The presence of former Hamburg defender Sebastian Schonlau in the squad is a double-edged sword. While it’s good to have someone who understands him, Müller also needs to integrate into the team and learn Canadian-English. "I still have to translate a joke in Canadian-English," he added.
A Rich History
The football history of North America is nothing compared to Bayern Munich or numerous other European clubs, but it exists. The Whitecaps are one of only four Major League Soccer teams that have worn their original name from the mid-1970s to the present day. The current club can be traced back to the NASL-Whitecaps founded in 1973.
Honoring the Past
The Whitecaps team from 1979 was honored before a game in 2019. Thomas Müller confirmed that he had met important personalities from the club’s past, including Bob Lenarduzzi and Carl Valentine, who were members of the Soccer Bowl winning team from 1979. Müller did his homework and learned about the great story of 1979 and how the "village" beat the New York Cosmos in the semifinals.
Embracing Canada
Müller is committed to his new team and is eager to learn about Canadian culture. "This is Canada, not the USA," he emphasized after a reporter referred to the United States. This reaction would have heated the heart of a Canadian football fan, especially at a time when the country is involved in an undesirable trade war with its southern neighbor.
Eye on the Prize
Müller soon hopes to heat the hearts of the Whitecaps fans more. As a winner of the 2014 World Cup, the Champions League, and 13 Bundesliga titles, Müller focuses on bringing the main prize to Vancouver – it would be the club’s first MLS cup. With his experience and skill, Müller is ready to make a difference in the team and bring success to the Whitecaps.
