FC Bayern awaits Arsenal FC in the quarter-final second leg of the Champions League on Wednesday evening. Jamal Musiala is particularly important here.
Munich – There were only two left!
“Compared to the first leg against Arsenal, we lose two wingers,” said Thomas Tuchel, describing FC Bayern’s misery before the quarter-final second leg against Arsenal FC (Wednesday, 9 p.m. in the live ticker): “And Leroy Sané is dragging his feet in pain for the team throughout the season.”
Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman will be missing against the Gunners at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday evening due to muscle injuries. Ultimately, the Bayern coach only has one fit winger available to him in Mathys Tel.
Leroy Sané is not fit but will play against Arsenal
Sané will be able to play, but “he will have to grit his teeth, like he has in the last few weeks,” said Tuchel at the press conference before the CL clash. This means: He plays as long as the pain is bearable.
The Bayern offensive has never been as dependent on Sané as it is this season. This was particularly evident in the first leg at the Emirates a week ago, where Sané ensured that Bayern's CL dream was still alive with his two goals.
But this time the 28-year-old can't do it alone. That's why we're finally hoping for Magic Musiala again on Wednesday evening in Munich!
Hope at FC Bayern: Magic from Musiala finally back against Arsenal
You want to see Jamal Musiala, who scored an outstanding nine points in six Bundesliga games before the international break (five goals, four assists). Since then, the 21-year-old has found himself in a bit of a hole. Against BVB (0:2) and in Heidenheim (2:3), little went together for him and the youngster had little influence on the game.
Musiala's appearance a week ago in London gives hope for Magic. Although he didn't contribute to the goal there, he was an important component in Tuchel's system, especially from a tactical point of view. “We need the same dedication and effort as a team again. “Also the tactical discipline,” said the Bayern coach: “We probably need a little more.” And a little magic from Musiala.
FC Bayern against FC Arsenal: Musiala with strong statistics on the wing
Due to the many injured wingers, the 21-year-old is expected to start on the left wing again in the second leg. Thomas Müller should start on ten. Not Musiala's favorite position, but it was where he played his best games before the international break. The statistics are also impressive: when Musiala played as a left winger, he scored six goals and prepared four in ten games.
“No matter who played during the season, they had their influence,” said Harry Kane on Tuesday afternoon. Of course, the captain of the English national team wants to benefit from a good Musiala. It doesn't matter who plays in which position: "It doesn't matter who plays tomorrow," continued Kane: "We are ready and focused. We also fight for the injured players.”
Can Jamal Musiala lead Bayern's offense into the CL semi-finals?
It's these games that the stars are passionate about. The record champions, who are used to success, have the chance to save the messed up season to some extent with the premier class. But Bayern need Musiala more than ever on Wednesday evening.
“After a long time, we want to go back to the semi-finals and all the way to the final,” says Tuchel: “A Champions League win will sweeten every team’s season. We underperformed in the cup and the league. It’s a different competition, we have to push the limits.”
Decisive man in an important game: Wirtz, of all people, showed him how to do it
Also Musiala, who has not yet been as consistent in his form as he had hoped this season. It would be important for the dribbler to make an international mark in a game like this. That should also be Musiala's claim.
Together with Florian Wirtz, the Bayern star is supposed to enchant the whole country at the European Championships in the summer. A successful Champions League season would of course be important for self-confidence. Wirtz showed him how to shine in important games on Sunday this season - perhaps Jamal Musiala can follow suit on Wednesday evening.
(smk)
Florian Schimak reports from the Allianz Arena