FC Bayern continue to march confidently ahead in the Bundesliga, extending their lead to eleven points with a 3-2 win in the classic against Borussia Dortmund. Much is going according to plan in sporting terms – but one personnel issue continues to cause discussion: Jamal Musiala
Although the 23-year-old is back in the squad after breaking his fibula in January, he has not been in top form so far. Musiala also remained pale in the win against BVB. He came into the game in the 68th minute, but was hardly able to give the attacking play any new impetus
TV pundit Dietmar Hamann found clear words on Sky90: „I think that Jamal Musiala is missing a lot. At the moment, it’s an attempt to integrate him,“ explained the former Bayern professional. The long injury break should not be forgotten – but Hamann still raised the question of his current status
High contract, high expectations
Hamann is particularly critical of the discrepancy between Musiala’s salary and his current performance. „He was given a contract that puts him on a par with or better than the England national team captain,“ he said, alluding to Harry Kane. Anyone who is one of the top earners at FC Bayern must also be measured against this standard
„If you’re the highest-paid player, then you’re also the most important somewhere. Then you have two or three games to get back into the rhythm,“ said Hamann, adding that a longer rest period is hardly possible with this status
The comparison that the 52-year-old drew afterwards attracted additional attention: „He’s the Michael Jordan of Bayern Munich. That’s how he’s paid. I wonder when he’ll help the team again or want to help.“
Karl ahead of Musiala?
Things became even more explosive when it came to the decision to field him in the classic. While Musiala was given playing time, mega-talent Lennart Karl remained on the bench for 90 minutes. Hamann couldn’t understand why: „Karl should actually come before Musiala because he’s on a different level in terms of performance.“
At the same time, he showed understanding for coach Vincent Kompany, who had to moderate the situation – both in sporting and emotional terms. A star like Musiala could not simply be left out permanently, especially as he was planned to be the face of the team in the long term
One thing is certain: Musiala will need time to reach his full level again, but patience is a scarce commodity at FC Bayern, where demands and expectations are constantly at their maximum.