Debate about Hoeneß and Musiala – “It doesn’t feel good in the stomach area”

Former Ballon d'Or winner Matthias Sammer expressed understanding for the position of honorary president of FC Bayern Munich after Uli Hoeneß's much-discussed statements about Jamal Musiala. At the same time, Sammer also showed compassion for Musiala. “I have to say, it doesn’t feel good in the stomach area because, on the one hand, it’s of course a catastrophe, especially for Jamal himself,” said Sammer on Sky.

Borussia Dortmund's external advisor explained that he could understand both the sporting and economic perspective. On the one hand, he sees a “gifted” footballer and world-class player, said Sammer. On the other hand, it is part of the business “that of course it also involves monetary aspects”. He never got to know Hoeneß other than how he clearly addressed such topics. “Uli doesn’t take that into account,” says Sammer.

At the same time, it was clear to him that Hoeneß wanted to support the 23-year-old Musiala. "He is the first person who would protect this boy above all else, against everything, there is no question about it. And on the other hand, the club is also his boy," said Sammer. He doesn't want to judge whether the statements are right or wrong. Hoeneß led FC Bayern for longer and more successfully than almost anyone else. That's why you sometimes have to expect him to make statements at a time when you think: oops.

Matthew gives Olise as a counterexample

Hoeneß had expressed doubts in the BR's “Sunday regulars' table” as to whether Musiala would ever be able to regain his previous performance after his neurological illness. The club's patron referred to the record champions' economic dilemma in view of the long-term and lavish contract, which is valid until 2030.

Record national player Lothar Matthäus took up this aspect in his Sky column and wrote: "If Hoeneß were to focus on the issue of price/performance, then on the other hand the salary, especially of Michael Olise, would have to be at least doubled, if not tripled, because his market value has risen to 150 to 200 million since his signing."

According to Matthäus, a club carries the risk “that when you sign a contract you don’t know where the journey will take you,” he said. “If Musiala earns too much because he is not available at the moment, Olise or other Bayern players who overperform would, on the other hand, earn too little.”