Jamal Musiala Returns to Top Form as Bayern Prepares for DFB-Pokal Clash in Leverkusen

Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has expressed optimism about Jamal Musiala’s return to peak form ahead of the club’s DFB-Pokal semi-final against Bayer Leverkusen and upcoming Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain, noting that the “magic” element of the 23-year-old’s game is poised to re-emerge.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Kompany highlighted Musiala’s recent contributions, stating that the attacker has produced a goal and three assists in his last three matches and has registered nine goal involvements in just 600 minutes of play.

“Jamal Musiala is in a good phase at the moment,” Kompany said. “I said very early on: He’s developed physically, he’s now also physically close to his best level, not just in terms of strength, but also in terms of his willingness to run. He can press like we do. He wins tackles.”

Now the question is: when will the Magic Musiala return? And he’ll 100 per cent come back at some point; the moments are already there. What he’s doing at the moment is: He’s incredibly dangerous! The way he often already gets into dangerous areas. He’s racked up nine goal contributions in 600 minutes – he’s shown that he’s ready! What will be great for me is when freedom eventually returns. Then we might have a developed version of Jamal Musiala – I’m looking forward to that.

Vincent Kompany

Musiala’s resurgence comes at a critical time for Bayern, as Serge Gnabry is expected to miss the remainder of the season due to a right thigh adductor strain sustained in training three days prior to the press conference. Gnabry, who had been a key contributor with 21 goal involvements this season, is also doubtful for the upcoming World Cup.

It’s actually a coincidence that Serge’s injury has happened now and Jamal isn’t that far off,” Kompany remarked. He further noted the team’s resilience during Musiala’s absence, stating, “We’ve played a large part of this season successfully without Jamal. But just as Serge is no longer available, we have a fit Jamal back.”

Vincent Kompany

Having returned from a broken fibula and serious ankle dislocation suffered during last summer’s Club World Cup, Musiala has gradually reintegrated into the starting lineup. His return was marked by a goal and assist in a 5-0 win over FC St. Pauli, followed by a Champions League quarter-final second-leg performance against Real Madrid where he drew an early yellow card from Eduardo Camavinga — who was later sent off — and delivered a spectacular backheel assist for Luis Díaz’s equaliser.

Oliver Kahn’s controversial comments may have provided the perfect motivational boost for Jamal Musiala. The youngster had recently returned from a long layoff caused by a broken fibula and a serious ankle dislocation, only to suffer a setback that ruled him out of the March internationals. “He should sit out the World Cup,” the former Bayern Munich chairman stated on Sky eleven days ago. “If I sense that something is off in my game, I must work on myself to regain full fitness.” His remarks triggered a public outcry, widespread solidarity for Musiala, and an impressive on-field response from the 23-year-old attacker.

Goal.com

With Gnabry sidelined, Musiala is set to play a central role in Bayern’s attacking plans as the club navigates a decisive phase of the season. Kompany acknowledged the symbolic alignment of the squad’s shifting dynamics, noting that while the team had succeeded without Musiala earlier in the campaign, his return now coincides with the absence of another key attacker.

The Bayern head coach affirmed that Musiala’s development is ongoing, suggesting that the player’s evolution into a more complete version of himself could elevate the team’s performance in the high-stakes fixtures ahead. “What will be great for me is when freedom eventually returns,” Kompany said. “Then we might have a developed version of Jamal Musiala.”

Jamal Musiala is at least hitting top form just in time. Kompany, however, issued a warning and raised one final big question.

Goal.com

As Bayern prepares for the DFB-Pokal semi-final and the Champions League encounter with PSG, Musiala’s progression will be closely monitored. His ability to consistently influence games in advanced areas, combined with improved defensive contribution through pressing and tackle success, has already begun to restore the qualities that made him one of Europe’s most promising talents.

For now, Kompany remains focused on the immediate challenge, confident that Musiala’s return — both physical and expressive — will provide a vital spark as Bayern seeks silverware on multiple fronts.