Kompany’s Bayern: Navigating Success with Musiala’s Return

Vincent Kompany has engineered an impressive Bayern Munich squad. Following a debut season in Bavaria that some fans and media deemed underwhelming, his team has launched the 2025-26 season with remarkable vigor. They made history by securing 16 consecutive victories to start the season, surpassing the previous record of 13 games set by the legendary AC Milan in the early 1990s.

Harry Kane has been instrumental in spearheading the attack, playing a crucial role in transforming Bayern into a goal-hungry powerhouse. He has scored 23 goals in 17 matches so far, including a dramatic equalizer in the 90th minute against Union Berlin last weekend, which ended Bayern’s winning streak.

The potential return of Jamal Musiala raises exciting prospects for the team’s performance. The Stuttgart-born talent resumed training three weeks ago. Recently, sporting director Max Eberl suggested that Musiala might rejoin the squad in December, aiming for full fitness by January.

Magath, a veteran coach, commented on the implications of Musiala’s comeback on Bayern’s current form. He expressed that while the team is thriving, introducing a player of Musiala’s caliber could alter team dynamics. “If everything is going well, I won’t change anything. However, a strong player like Musiala could shift the game’s dynamics,” he noted.

Magath also discussed the possible impact on Kane’s role following Musiala’s return. Currently thriving in a free-roaming No. 10 position behind Chelsea loanee Nicolas Jackson, Kane enjoys the creative freedom to impact the game extensively. However, returning Musiala could necessitate a shift in Kane’s positioning, potentially limiting his current influence.

Despite these challenges, Kompany appears unfazed. He has established a solid core and led the team on an impressive 16-game winning streak. He is prepared to embrace the complexities of balancing the team upon Musiala’s return while striving to uphold the standards set in the season’s first few months.

Kompany recently addressed concerns over squad depth, reaffirming confidence in his players’ capabilities. “Every player in this squad knows they can always contribute. It’s not an issue for me; I can manage any squad size,” he remarked. He emphasized the importance of maintaining player fitness and acknowledged the unexpected development of Lennart Karl as a crucial factor in the squad’s growing depth.

In an October interview with Bayern Munich’s official website, Musiala expressed his eagerness to return and improve upon his previous performances. He conveyed a feeling of missing out on the camaraderie and excitement his teammates experience during matches, stating, “I want to be a part of that and back on the pitch. We want to enjoy playing together and achieve success as a team.”

Having been part of Bayern’s first team for over five years, Musiala is on the cusp of turning 23. While he is undoubtedly one of the world’s premier talents, there remains a sense that he has yet to reach his full potential. His reintegration into Kompany’s starting lineup poses significant questions regarding his fitness and the team’s balance. As Bayern continues to demonstrate formidable strength on paper with Musiala’s presence, it will be crucial to see how Kompany manages his return to maintain the current level of excellence.