Jamal Musiala Reflects on His Growth and Role Under Vincent Kompany

Bayern Munich and Germany sensation Jamal Musiala opened up in an in-depth interview with SportsCenter, discussing his development as a footballer, his mental struggles during his formative years, and the impact of Vincent Kompany’s leadership at Bayern. Musiala provided a candid look at the challenges he faced and the strategies that have fueled his remarkable rise.

Musiala admitted to doubting his abilities during his youth, particularly after experiencing a dip in form due to growing pains. “I was at Chelsea and played well for a while, but then I had a couple of years where I wasn’t as good because of growth pains and other things,” he revealed. Despite these struggles, support from his parents helped him regain confidence. “Once I felt better, I realized I had technical skills and could keep improving, which gave me hope of eventually succeeding.”

A Focus on Continuous Improvement

Discussing his ongoing development, Musiala emphasized the importance of small adjustments. “Every coach has something different they want me to improve,” he explained. “This season, it’s been about scoring headers and finding good positions for easy goals. It’s all about trying things in training and taking everything to the next level.”

The forward has increased his aerial scoring but revealed he didn’t rely on special drills, apart from brief practice with a heading machine. Instead, his improvement stems from better positioning. “It’s about being in the right spots in the box to score headers or tap-ins. That’s what I wanted to add to my game this season,” he noted.

Inspirations and Influences

Musiala cited a diverse range of inspirations, from Neymar to NBA star Steph Curry. “When I was younger, I’d watch Neymar’s skills on YouTube before games. Now, I draw inspiration from other sports, like Steph Curry’s consistency. At Bayern, I learn a lot from Thomas Müller and Harry Kane.”

Kompany’s Impact on His Game

Musiala also praised Vincent Kompany’s tactics and philosophy, crediting the Belgian coach with elevating his performance. “From the start, his ideas have been great. Personally, I feel I’ve reached another level. We’ve made a good start, but there’s room to grow, which makes the future exciting.”

Kompany’s approach has also given Musiala freedom on the pitch. “He’s given me a free role to move, help with build-up play, and connect with others. It’s about feeling the game and adapting.”

• Mental Strength: Musiala overcame doubts about his talent with the support of his parents.
• Continuous Growth: This season, he’s focused on improving aerial goals and positioning.
• Inspirations: Neymar, Steph Curry, Thomas Müller, and Harry Kane are key influences.
• Kompany’s Philosophy: The coach’s tactical vision has helped Musiala elevate his game.
• Free Role: Musiala thrives in a dynamic role, contributing to attacks and connecting plays.