Football
Mark Lovell, Bayern Munich blogger 7y

Carlo Ancelotti: Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller is playing very well

Carlo Ancelotti has backed Thomas Muller to continue his upturn in form against Schalke on Tuesday, and called for "balance" from the media after coming under pressure in recent weeks.

Muller, who recently celebrated his 28th birthday, scored the 97th Bundesliga goal of his career and provided his 97th assist on his 261st appearance in the 4-0 weekend win over Mainz.

And Ancelotti told a prematch news conference: "Muller played very well. He showed fantastic movement without the ball. For this reason, we attacked well."

The coach called for "balance" from the media after criticism following the 2-0 defeat at Hoffenheim.

He said: "It's true that we didn't play so well, but it's also true that we have played seven official games and we have won six. I think we have to have balance."

Ancelotti confirmed he won't stick with the side that beat Mainz.

"I will make a few changes," he said. "Rotation is important to motivate and keep all players in good condition."

Arjen Robben misses the game with flu, and loan signing James Rodriguez is a potential option to replace the Netherlands skipper.

Ancelotti said he believed Muller and James could work together and said of the on-loan Real Madrid player: "He can play in between the opposition lines in every position on the left, right or in the middle."

Defender Jerome Boateng made his first start since the final day of last season on Saturday, but Ancelotti said he was likely to be given a rest against Schalke.

"Boateng reacted well to the game and he is available. But after being out of the game for so many months, I think he needs a break," he said.

Meanwhile, David Alaba could return for next week's Champions League trip to Paris Saint-Germain.

The Austria international suffered an ankle injury while on international duty earlier this month and has not played since.

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