Jamal Musiala talks Bayern Munich, Germany, the FIFA World Cup and NBA Playoffs
With Germany's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign coming into view, Jamal Musiala has found form at just the right time following an injury-interrupted season for Bayern Munich.
In an exclusive interview with the Bundesliga, the 23-year-old playmaker - with five goal involvements in his last seven league outings - discusses Bayern's domestic double prospects, his injury comeback, the World Cup and more...
Bundesliga: What has been the key to Bayern having such an incredible season?
Jamal Musiala: "I think it is just that we have that joy on the pitch, and that hunger to keep attacking. I think even with our defending, everything has gone a level up. You can see that hunger in general from everyone, even if we are 1-0 or 2-0 up, just to keep pushing for more. It has made it hard for opposing teams. I think that extra hard work is something everyone enjoys as well, so we keep pushing each other, and that has given us a lot of positives this season.”
Bundesliga: Vincent Kompany has, of course, orchestrated your success. Why do you think he has been such a good coach?
Musiala: "It's a lot of things. You could say attention to detail, but I think most of it is the mindset side of things. To see how we were some years ago, we have an incredible mentality now and hunger for every little thing that we do, even the not-so-enjoyable things, and we're trying to have fun with that as well - all the defending side. Then the fun of the game just comes naturally.”
Bundesliga: You will have the chance to win the DFB Cup for the first time when you face VfB Stuttgart in the final later this month. How determined are you to win that?
Musiala: "Very determined. It has been six years since the club won it. It is definitely something that everyone here wants. To end the season on a really high note is definitely our motivation.”
Bundesliga: It's been quite a difficult season for you personally as you were out injured so long. What have you learned from that?
Musiala: "I think it is a matter of just seeing what more you can do. I think coming back from big injuries, you have to do extra work. I think sometimes not talking about it is good as well because you already have all the questions in your head. Sometimes you just have to go with the flow a little bit. I have just been trying to learn and take things into next season.”
Bundesliga: There has been a lot of talk about Bayern's incredible front three of Harry Kane, Luis Díaz and Michael Olise. What has made them so special?
Musiala: "For Lucho [Díaz], his 1v1 ability is amazing. When it comes to his energy and aggressiveness, everything is always at 100%. Then you see his technical ability too. I think his consistency is amazing. Harry is Harry. He has scored a lot of goals this season. He has a big role in the team, as one of the leaders, and you can learn a lot from him.
"I think all three of them have scored amazing goals, and big goals. With Michael, he has taken a massive step from last season. I think his mentality is amazing. His 1v1 ability, shooting, I think everything about him is fun to watch. He is definitely one of the best players in the world this season.”
Bundesliga: Another notable thing about Bayern's attack this season has been the development of Lennart Karl. Do you see paralells to your own breakthrough?
Musiala: "Yes, and I love to see it. As a young player, it is tough to come into a team like this. The confidence that he shows on the pitch is different from other young players. With the quality and everything that he has, he definitely shows it. He is going to keep taking steps and be a big part of the team.”
Bundesliga: Karl could be one of the players who joins you in the Germany squad for a small tournament over in North America this summer. How are you feeling about the FIFA World Cup right now?
Musiala: "Right now, my focus is still on the DFB Cup final. I have not been with the national team for a long time. Things are building up to it. I cannot say much now, but I am definitely looking forward to it. It is something big for everyone there and everyone watching from home. I think we will have some time together to prepare for it, and then we will see.”
Bundesliga: How do you think Germany will approach the World Cup as you try to become contenders for the tournament again?
Musiala: "I think Julian [Nagelsmann] probably has a lot of things ready to tell all of us. I think we showed in Euro 2024 that we have the quality to be among the serious contenders.
"I think a few of us have also learned from being at Bayern that it is just about keeping that hunger to win games, keeping the energy high, staying positive, and just working well as a team. Being a family on the pitch and off the pitch is definitely a key to reaching big goals.”
Bundesliga: Finally, as we have heard, you are a big NBA fan, could we have your predictions for the playoffs?
Musiala: "I think Oklahoma City Thunder have the best odds. I think their team has everything, which takes the fun away because they are just winning everything right now. That is why I hope there is some competition.
"My favourite team are Golden State Warriors, but as they are not in the playoffs, I am hoping maybe the Minnesota Timberwolves can cause an upset against the San Antonio Spurs.”
