Vincent Kompany confirmed Jamal Musiala will start for Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal semifinal against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday at 20:45, calling the German international ready to shoulder increased responsibility following Serge Gnabry’s adductor injury.
The Belgian coach emphasized Musiala’s physical development, stating the 23-year-old is now close to his peak fitness level in terms of running readiness and pressing intensity. Kompany noted Musiala has already contributed nine scorer points in 600 minutes since his January return, with four goals and five assists across 16 appearances totaling 633 minutes.
Despite a three-game absence in March due to pain in his operated left ankle, Kompany said Musiala is working toward World Cup form and could become a decisive factor in Bayern’s pursuit of a historic triple. The coach dismissed concerns over the absences of Gnabry, Lennart Karl, and Tom Bischof, citing past success with depleted squads and expressing confidence in the players’ eventual returns.
Bayern, already secured as 35-time German champions with four matches remaining, views the Leverkusen clash as the immediate priority, with Max Eberl calling it the “allerwichtigste” game ahead of a potential final in Berlin. Kompany framed the match as another chapter in a long history of tight contests, referencing recent painful DFB-Pokal exits to Kiel, Gladbach, Freiburg, Saarbrücken, and a 0:1 loss to Leverkusen in December 2024.
He rejected notions of revenge for last season’s early exit to Leverkusen, insisting the team focuses only on what lies ahead. Kompany added that whereas past Champions League encounters provided positive experiences, Wednesday’s match represents a new story, one he hopes will culminate in Bayern’s first DFB-Pokal final appearance since 2020.
How Kompany assesses Musiala’s readiness for increased responsibility
Kompany described Musiala’s current state as physically developed and tactically aligned with Bayern’s high-pressing style, emphasizing the player’s ability to win duels and create danger. He reiterated belief in the return of Musiala’s “total freedom” on the pitch, which would unlock a more evolved version of the attacker.
The coach linked Musiala’s importance directly to Gnabry’s absence, framing the young international as essential for bridging the attacking gap in both the DFB-Pokal and upcoming Champions League semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain on April 28 and May 6.
Why Bayern downplays past encounters with Leverkusen
Kompany stated the team does not dwell on previous results, including last season’s early DFB-Pokal elimination, and instead approaches each match as a fresh challenge. He acknowledged the emotional intensity of past duels but stressed that success depends on present focus, not historical outcomes.
This mindset extends to their Bundesliga meeting earlier in the season, a 1:1 draw, which Kompany said informed their understanding of required intensity without determining Wednesday’s approach.
What is Musiala’s current role in Bayern’s attack following Gnabry’s injury?
Musiala is now expected to start and play a central creative role in Bayern’s offense, with Kompany citing his fitness, pressing ability, and goal threat as evidence he is ready to handle increased responsibility in key matches.
Why does Kompany believe past losses to Leverkusen do not affect Tuesday’s preparation?
Kompany said the team focuses only on future challenges, not past results, and views each match as a new story regardless of previous outcomes, including painful DFB-Pokal exits or recent Champions League success against Leverkusen.
