"When these absolute superstars come to this league, what I absolutely love, even if they're not playing for Portland Timbers, is how much they want to win. You saw it with Muller last season, driving the Whitecaps to the MLS Cup final. We watched the Florida derby the other day - Messi, [Rodrigo] De Paul - these are players that have won everything in the game but the intensity and fight to win a game of football is inspiring for MLS players."
"In the past, there's been a misconception of players coming here for retirement. Players are coming here to win. That shows the level of player, their absolute mentality. It's a great example to every young player in this league - that's the level you have to have, regardless of what you've done in the game or got in your bank account. That mentality never leaves you."
Portland Timbers head coach Phil Neville praises Thomas Muller as an ideal role model for young MLS players. Muller, who joined Vancouver Whitecaps after 13 Bundesliga titles and two Champions League victories at Bayern Munich, has scored 10 goals in 14 MLS games and helped Vancouver reach the MLS Cup final. Neville emphasizes that elite players like Muller and Lionel Messi come to MLS with genuine winning ambitions rather than seeking retirement. He highlights their intense mentality and competitive drive as essential lessons for younger players, stressing that success requires unwavering determination regardless of previous accomplishments or financial security.
Read at Soccer News
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