World Cup spat over Bayern star Musiala: Matthäus counters Kahn | OneFootball

The discussion about Jamal Musiala’s possible participation in the World Cup continues to spark controversy – and has now led to an open exchange of blows between two German soccer icons. While Oliver Kahn had advised the Bayern star to decline, Lothar Matthäus clearly disagrees – and finds clear words

The starting point was Kahn’s appearance on Sky, in which the former Bayern boss suggested to Musiala that he should give up the World Cup in the summer following his serious injury – a statement that met with little understanding from Matthäus

Matthäus clearly contradicts Kahn

After FC Bayern’s 5-0 win against FC St. Pauli, the Sky pundit made it very clear that he sees the situation completely differently. „I am convinced that – unlike Oliver Kahn – he can be very important for Germany at the World Cup,“ Matthäus explained

The 65-year-old did not stop at a factual assessment, however, and sharply criticized Kahn’s statements: „For me, an incomprehensible statement – superfluous.“

Matthäus was particularly annoyed by the timing of the statement, saying that it was wrong to talk about a possible withdrawal several weeks before the tournament – especially as Musiala still had enough time to get back to his best form

Musiala with a clear goal in sight

photo: IMAGO

The Bayern star himself left no doubt about his ambitions anyway. When asked about the possibility of missing out on the World Cup, Musiala replied clearly: „Not for me, no. I definitely want to go to the World Cup.“

Musiala’s form is also on the up again, with the 23-year-old having shown himself to be stable and increasingly influential in FC Bayern’s play following his long injury lay-off

In this context, Matthäus emphasized that not only goals are decisive, but also the development of the game as a whole: Musiala is well on his way back to his old strength

The differing assessments of Kahn and Matthäus show how sensitive the issue of Musiala’s workload and future is. While Kahn advises caution, Matthäus places his trust in the quality and ambition of the attacking player

One thing is clear: there are currently many indications that Musiala – provided he remains fit – will be an integral part of the DFB squad for the World Cup. And that is exactly what Matthäus believes: that the Bayern star will return to top level in time – and be able to help Germany decisively in the summer.