Jamal Musiala expressed deep sadness over Thomas Müller's exit from Bayern Munich to the Vancouver Whitecaps last summer, calling the veteran a key mentor whose presence and vibe remain sorely missed. The 23-year-old midfielder, who played alongside Müller from 2020 to 2025, credited him with invaluable advice during his early breakthrough years at the club. Müller's departure coincides with Musiala's own injury-plagued season, amplifying the sense of loss for the young star navigating a challenging comeback.
A Bond Forged on the Pitch
Musiala and Müller shared the Bayern first team for five seasons, with the younger player gradually taking on a larger role even as their personal connection deepened. "He also helped me a lot when I first came through, giving me lots of advice over the years," Musiala told Sky. This mentorship proved crucial for Musiala, who stepped into more prominent game time amid Bayern's high-stakes campaigns. Müller, a Munich legend with over 750 appearances, embodied the club's winning culture, leaving a tangible gap in leadership and on-field chemistry.
Injuries and the Need for Guidance
Musiala's recent form has suffered from setbacks, starting with a broken fibula in the Club World Cup quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain last summer-Müller's 756th and final Bayern match. Sidelined for months, his return brought mixed results: good spells interspersed with slumps, including another absence that limited his impact in the Champions League semi-final rematch with PSG. He now yearns for Müller's counsel: "I'd like to have a good chat with him after a phase like this." Despite hurdles, Musiala views his progress positively, declaring himself "very, very happy" compared to earlier expectations.
Looking Forward with Patience and Praise
Ahead of the World Cup with Germany, Musiala emphasizes steady progress: "Patience is key. I'm keeping things simple: don't look too far ahead... focusing on small steps." He admits "still steps to be taken" in his development. Musiala also lauded teammate Michael Olise, a former Chelsea youth colleague, as "one of the best players, if not the best player of the season," highlighting Olise's all-around improvement. Müller's move to MLS underscores broader trends in football, where club icons seek new challenges later in their careers, forcing teams like Bayern to accelerate the integration of talents like Musiala into leadership roles.