It almost went under the radar, this special comeback. Other headlines dominated FC Bayern’s 5-1 thumping win at RB Leipzig: Manuel Neuer in world-class form, Michael Olise as a game-changer, Harry Kane his usual scoring prowess. And yet it was one of the most emotional moments of the evening when Jamal Musiala took to the pitch in the closing stages – for the first time since his serious fibula fracture at the Club World Cup in July
It was Musiala’s first Bundesliga appearance since April, when he tore a muscle bundle in the 3-1 win at Augsburg, and now, after months of suffering, he took the next important step back. And it had an immediate effect. Moments after coming on, the 22-year-old made a fine touch to set up Michael Olise’s 5-1. „Jamal will claim the assist for himself,“ joked Harry Kane later with a smile
Kompany relies on patience instead of euphoria
As much as this moment was for fans and teammates, Vincent Kompany’s plan remains clear, as reported by kicker. The Bayern coach puts the brakes on any form of euphoria and makes it clear that Musiala will be built up carefully. „It was a bitter story, the way it happened in America, a trauma for the whole team. The boy fought for a long time,“ explained the Belgian after the game, pointing out that Musiala had worked intensively on his physicality
Above all, however, Kompany is deliberately taking any pressure off his playmaker. „He has zero pressure at the moment, he should enjoy it and get fit. Hopefully he will be back in February and March at the right time with his best performance,“ said the coach, outlining his clear roadmap. A return to the starting eleven is not an issue in the short term, rather it is about getting Musiala back into the rhythm
This attitude is remarkable – especially at a time when FC Bayern is on a record-breaking run and every personnel issue is being discussed at the highest level. Kompany is thinking long-term, not just until the next matchday, but with a view to the crucial months of the season
Backing from the team and the board
Musiala’s return has long been an emotional topic in the dressing room. Aleksandar Pavlovic summed it up on behalf of many of his teammates: „We’ve seen him every day, how hard he works, how he fights, that he’s back quickly. He’s an outstanding world-class player. We’re delighted that he’s back and that we can play with him again.“
Sporting director Max Eberl also expressly supports the cautious approach. „Collect minutes in January, have fun, be there in the important phases,“ is how he formulated the approach. Musiala should then be fully available again, especially with a view to the knockout matches in the Champions League and the final spurt of the season in the Bundesliga
No competition, but perspective
Discussions about possible competition with Lennart Karl or tactical questions about playing with Harry Kane are therefore currently pointless. Kompany’s approach is clear: Musiala should get fully fit again, build up confidence and develop without the pressure of expectation. Everything else will come in due course
In addition to Musiala, Alphonso Davies and Joshua Kimmich also returned in Leipzig, expanding Kompany’s options in an already demanding January. With four more games in a short space of time, the Bayern coach is likely to rotate further – and that plays right into Musiala’s hands
The plan is clearly outlined: no risks, no shortcuts. Jamal Musiala should not be back quickly, but properly. And that is precisely the greatest strength of this comeback.