With Bayern Munich desperately attempting to ink Jamal Musiala to a contract extension, the club has become uber-sensitive to any public criticism or perceived slight to the youngster.
Last week, board member for sport Max Eberl fired off salvos at France Football over Musiala not being included in the list of Ballon d’Or finalists. Now, though, the Bavarians are directing their ire at noted pundit Didi Hamann, who has been critical of Musiala’s recent performances.
Hamann implied that Musiala is selfish and inferred that his game is not evolving, as described in this report from Bild (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). Maybe tossing some salt in the wounds, Hamann also said he would take Bayer Leverkusen ace Florian Wirtz over Musiala right now:
Didi Hamann criticised Jamal Musiala in his Sky column yesterday, describing him a ‘individualistic’, ‘solo performer’ and doesn’t make players around him better. ‘If he gets the ball ten times, he puts his head down nine times and starts dribbling’ – in contrast to Florian Wirtz, who puts his teammates in the spotlight and makes them better. Hamann added: “If I could swap Wirtz and Musiala from Bayern’s point of view, I would do it tomorrow.”
Needless to say, Bayern Munich circled the wagons and is furious with Hamann. The club clearly wants to show Musiala any support that it can during what could be contentious negotiations:
According to @BILD, these statements have left Bayern furious internally. They are irritated and surprised that Hamann is now not only attacking coaches and bosses, as he often has in the past, but also the fan favourite Musiala. There’s currently no direct response to Hamann, but the club’s bosses will respond to questions on the topic in the coming days – probably as early as tomorrow’s press conference with Max Eberl. Bayern does not want to give Hamann the stage with a direct critical response, the bosses will rather stand behind Musiala and talk up their player.
Musiala is currently the most important topic at Bayern. With the upcoming contract negotiations, the club is making extreme efforts to ensure that Musiala feels comfortable and appreciated in Munich and that everyone at Bayern is behind him.
Bayern Munich has been consistent with defending its players over the years, but this case must feel very personal for the club. Losing Musiala would be a catastrophe in many ways and the Bavarians will do anything to shield him from any attacks.
Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester City, Arsenal FC, and Liverpool FC are all rumored to be interested in Musiala.
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