Bundesliga
“Gambler” Musiala shines for Beckenbauer in Bayern’s victory
Jamal Musiala (r) played great in Bayern’s win against Hoffenheim. photo
© Peter Kneffel/dpa
National player Musiala is off to a perfect start to the European Championship year at FC Bayern. Beckenbauer would certainly have enjoyed this elegance. Another star is celebrating on Remembrance Day.
The emotional goal anthem “No one can separate good friends” in memory of Franz Beckenbauer let Jamal Musiala score twice as a double packer.
“Now I have to prove that I know the lyrics better. Cool song,” said the smiling 20-year-old after a memorable evening that was all about the football “emperor,” who died last Sunday at the age of 78. The national player could hardly have had a better start to the European Championship year.
In memory of the once-admired elegance of the player Beckenbauer, it fit perfectly into the picture that artist Musiala provided the highlights with enchanting ease in FC Bayern Munich’s 3-0 win against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on Friday evening. The gifted technician scored the first two goals and also hit the post again. It was his fourth brace in his 101st Bundesliga game. Beckenbauer would definitely have enjoyed these brilliant moments.
Musiala: We also wanted to get a win for Beckenbauer
“It makes us happy that this personality was our predecessor somewhere and that we are carrying on his legacy, so to speak,” said Bayern’s leading player Thomas Müller. The evening was characterized by “mourning and homage”, but in the end the 90 minutes on the pitch were detached and stood on their own. “You are happy that you experienced this person, this player, this personality. It is “Thank you. We’re happy that we won the game,” said Müller.
Musiala also emphasized this. “He is a legend here. We also wanted to get the win for him,” said the offensive star. In the first half of the season, the champion hero of the previous season was slowed down twice by injuries. The start of the new year makes you want more. “He was our best player today. He had the necessary peace and also the self-confidence and freedom right from the start,” said coach Thomas Tuchel, who predicts a great career for Musiala: “The path is steeply upwards because Jamal has everything , what you need.”
Kane equals Lewandowski record
Musiala also scored in the 2-1 win in the last league game of 2023 in Wolfsburg. Next to striker Harry Kane, who was successful again against Hoffenheim with his 22nd goal of the season to make it 3-0 in the new year. After 16 games, the Englishman has already equaled Robert Lewandowski’s first-round record from his record 2020/21 season.
Nagelsmann can be happy
Incidentally, Musiala scored both goals in conjunction with assister Leroy Sané. “We like to play together,” Musiala said. National coach Julian Nagelsmann should also be happy about the harmony of the national players with a view to the home European Championships in the summer.
As did the appearance of captain Manuel Neuer. When Munich briefly wobbled and Hoffenheim sniffed the 1-1 equalizer three times, the 37-year-old was there to provide convincing support. “He is an outstanding part of FC Bayern Munich and the German national team. He is still one of the very best goalkeepers in the world and he will reach the highest level again. That will come naturally,” said Tuchel.
Neuer draws level with Schweinsteiger
Neuer was in goal in his 500th competitive game for Bayern and drew level with Bastian Schweinsteiger. “I’m so happy to be among the elite – and then on such a special day when we remember Franz Beckenbauer, “Kaiser” Franz – that was really something very special.” Apart from these two, only Thomas Müller (685) and Philipp Lahm (517) played more games for the series champions this millennium.
Two days before the Munich team left for the short training camp in Portugal this Sunday, Neuer also enjoyed watching Musiala’s tricks. “In training you see it again and again how he lets two or three people get out, how quick he is on his feet, how quickly he recognizes game situations,” said the captain.
Tuchel: One game is not enough to commemorate
Tuchel took Musiala’s show as a benchmark for future performances. “He’s happy to build on that,” said the coach. After an eventful week and the win against Hoffenheim, the 50-year-old once again emphasized the importance of Beckenbauer. “One game won’t be enough to honor the memory and life’s work of Franz Beckenbauer. He is an absolute legend, one of the greatest sports personalities.”