Champions League final: Bayern's Thomas Mueller fears third loss

Thomas Mueller believes defeat on Saturday against Borussia Dortmund in his third Champions League final would see him labelled a perennial "loser".

The creative Bayern Munich forward, 23, started in the defeats by Inter Milan three years ago and Chelsea last term.

"For me, it is about time I won the thing," he said. "If you are beaten three times, you are branded a loser."

The attacker has the chance to claim his first Champions League title in the all-German game at Wembley on Saturday.

Mueller has played a key role in Bayern's march to the final, scoring in both the 7-0 aggregate semi-final thrashing of Barcelona and 4-0 aggregate victory against Juventus in the previous round.

With his current tally of 22 goals in all competitions making him the club's leading marksman this term, head coach Jupp Heynckes praised the Germany international's contribution.

"Thomas Mueller will play a very important role in the final," the 68-year-old told FCB.tv.

"He's tireless, one of our leading characters, and a big factor in why we're so outstanding both in attack and defence.

"Thomas is having a superb season. There's no way we'd leave him out of the team, he's not injury prone, and he's a hard runner, agile, and relaxed when you need to be relaxed."

After putting his side ahead in last year's final loss to Chelsea, another goal at the weekend will see Mueller join Raul, Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi as the only players to score in two Champions League finals.