After Gnabry shock: Kompany now plans with Musiala | OneFootball

The loss of Serge Gnabry has hit FC Bayern with full force in the decisive phase of the season. The attacking player will miss at least two months for the record champions – forcing coach Vincent Kompany to make adjustments. One player will inevitably take center stage as a result: Jamal Musiala

The 23-year-old is now set to take on an even greater role in Munich’s attacking play, helped by the fact that his form curve has recently shown a clear upward trend. After his long injury lay-off, Musiala looks increasingly liberated – an impression that Kompany also confirms

„It’s a shame that Serge won’t be involved now, because he has performed so well for us this season,“ explained the Bayern coach, who also emphasized that Musiala has been „playing more freely“ since the international break

Nevertheless, Kompany is deliberately putting the brakes on when it comes to expectations. „I don’t want to put all the pressure on Jamal, that wouldn’t be fair,“ the Belgian made clear. At the same time, he left no doubt as to the potential of the attacking artist: „If he continues like this, we know what we can expect from him.“

Stress management remains crucial

Bayern’s continued cautious approach to Musiala was also evident in the 4-2 home win against VfB Stuttgart. The international was substituted at half-time – initially causing unrest among the fans

But the all-clear quickly followed: „The substitution was planned. The coach had said that I would be substituted at half-time so that I could rest. My foot is already feeling much better,“ explained Musiala after the game

The measure was part of a clear plan: after his serious injury, the playmaker is to be gradually brought back up to maximum load. Setbacks are to be avoided at all costs at Säbener Straße

More responsibility at the end of the season

photo: IMAGO

Despite all the caution, there are many indications that Musiala will be called upon even more in the coming weeks. The absence of Gnabry and other attacking players means that the options are limited – at the same time, the cup semi-final and the clashes against Paris Saint-Germain are absolutely key games

This is also an opportunity for Musiala, who can show that he is once again ready to carry FC Bayern’s attack. Kompany’s approach is clear: encourage, but do not overtax

In a phase in which titles are being decided, the record champions are relying on perhaps their most important difference-maker – in measured doses, but with great expectation.