Jamal Musiala is back on the field. In Bayern Munich’s 0-0 draw against FC Schalke 04, the 23-year-old made his comeback after a health-related hiatus. CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen was particularly impressed afterward by Vincent Kompany’s decision to bring Musiala off the bench in a match that was still wide open.
After missing several competitive matches recently, Musiala was back in the German record champions’ lineup for the first time in Gelsenkirchen. In the 57th minute, the moment finally arrived: Kompany brought on his star attacker in place of Lennart Karl.
For Dreesen, the mere inclusion in the lineup was already an important sign that Musiala is back on track. “Jamal has been training very well. I thought it was great that Vincent called him up to the squad and also gave him playing time,” explained the CEO.
What Dreesen found particularly noteworthy, however, was the situation in which Kompany sent his attacking player back onto the field.
Dreesen sees this as a special sign of trust
When Musiala came on as a substitute, the score at Schalke was still 0-0. Bayern desperately needed a goal to avoid dropping their first point of the new Bundesliga season. Yet Kompany still put his faith in the returning player during this crucial phase. “He brought him on even though the game wasn’t decided yet, which shows just how much he trusts him,” Dreesen emphasized.
This trust is likely of great importance to Musiala. After his forced break, the national team player now needs to gradually find his rhythm again and get used to the demands of match play.
The fact that Kompany didn’t wait until the score was clearly in their favor to send him onto the field for a few minutes, but instead relied on his qualities during a crucial phase of the game, underscores his high standing within the team.
Even though Musiala was unable to set up or score the decisive goal himself, his comeback was one of the bright spots on an otherwise disappointing evening for Bayern.
“Everyone at the club is doing everything they can to support Jamal.”
Musiala had previously missed several games. The 23-year-old did not play in the Super Cup against Borussia Dortmund, the Bundesliga opener against VfB Stuttgart, or the DFB Cup match against VfL Osnabrück.
Now, he is set to be gradually reintroduced to regular playing time. According to Dreesen, the attacking star can count on the club’s full support. “Everyone at the club is doing everything they can to support Jamal,” the Bayern boss made clear.
How quickly Musiala will get more playing time again will likely depend on his continued progress. His return against Schalke was initially the next important step.
For Munich, a fit Musiala is of enormous importance with an eye toward the upcoming challenges. And Kompany already made it clear during his comeback that he has complete confidence in his star forward, even after the break.