Jamal Musiala expressed deep sadness over Thomas Müller's exit from Bayern Munich to the Vancouver Whitecaps last summer. The 23-year-old midfielder told Sky that Müller's presence and vibe remain sorely missed after five seasons together in the first team from 2020 to 2025. Their bond formed as Musiala rose to prominence, gradually taking over playing time from the veteran forward.
A Mentor Lost in Crucial Moments
Musiala credited Müller with vital guidance during his early breakthrough at Bayern. "He also helped me a lot when I first came through, giving me lots of advice over the years," Musiala said. The Munich legend's departure left a void, especially as Musiala navigated personal setbacks, including a broken fibula in the Club World Cup quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain-Müller's 756th and final Bayern match.
Struggles on the Pitch and Longing for Counsel
That injury sidelined Musiala for months, and his return proved uneven. He endured another spell out and failed to influence Bayern's Champions League semi-final rematch with PSG. Müller would serve as an ideal sounding board now, Musiala reflected: "I'd like to have a good chat with him after a phase like this." Despite ups and downs, Musiala described his form as having "good spells and sometimes not-so-good spells, which is perfectly normal," adding he remains "very, very happy" compared to earlier expectations.
Looking Forward with Patience and Praise
Ahead of the World Cup with Germany, Musiala emphasized patience: "I'm keeping things simple: don't look too far ahead. You never know what will happen, so I'm focusing on small steps." He praised teammate Michael Olise, a former Chelsea youth colleague, calling him "one of the best players, if not the best player of the season." Olise has advanced every aspect of his game, a progression Musiala welcomes. These reflections underscore the irreplaceable role of club legends like Müller in fostering resilience amid football's relentless demands.