The rivalry between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund will take center stage in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup, but ahead of the meeting, two key figures at BVB took a moment to put football aside and speak about Jamal Musiala’s recent neurological issues.
Despite the fierce rivalry, Borussia Dortmund feels concern for Musiala.
“Regarding Musiala, despite all the rivalry that naturally exists between Dortmund and Bayern, we have to say that this isn’t just about the player, but genuinely about the person.
And I also believe that many Dortmund fans have a lot of sympathy for him. The images we saw were certainly frightening. But I believe he is in good medical hands. He himself has also been very open about it. From everyone at Borussia Dortmund, we sincerely wish him all the best and a speedy recovery. When we play Bayern, we want to compete against the very best, and of course we hope that he will be back on the pitch by then,” said Lars Ricken, Borussia Dortmund’s managing director for sport (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
Meanwhile, head coach Niko Kovač echoed Ricken’s sentiments, emphasizing that Musiala’s situation affected Dortmund’s players as human beings and fellow athletes.
“I agree with everything Lars said. Because we’re human beings and athletes, it was a shock for us too. What Lars said is absolutely right: I know that Bayern have a really excellent medical department, and we wish the young man all the very best. He’s still very young, and hopefully he’ll go on to play many, many more games — not only for Bayern, but also for the German national team,” Kovač said.
On Saturday, Bayern Munich and Dortmund will battle for the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup. Before the rivalry takes over, though, it is encouraging to see figures on both sides putting the health of a young player above everything else.
Everyone will be hoping Musiala can make a full recovery and eventually return to doing what he loves most — playing football.
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