Bayern president Herbert Hainer fires back at Oliver Kahn over Musiala World Cup statement

Bayern president Herbert Hainer fires back at Oliver Kahn over Musiala World Cup statement

Former Bayern Munich goalkeeper and CEO Oliver Kahn made headlines last week when he advised Jamal Musiala to skip the World Cup, arguing that the 23-year-old should instead focus on returning to his best after the ankle injury he suffered last summer.

Musiala himself has since made it clear that he has a clear target of going to this summer's tournament with Germany, and Bayern president Herbert Hainer has now spoken out against Kahn’s stance.

"I don’t understand Oliver Kahn’s statement at all. Every footballer wants to go to the World Cup. And if Jamal is fit, he is one of the absolute best we have in Germany. Every team in the world would want someone like him,” Hainer told Bild.

“He will continue to improve his form game by game, and we were all delighted that he scored the historic 101st goal. He deserved it. Jamal plays with so much joy. If he is fit and healthy, he must go to the World Cup.”

Musiala most recently scored and provided an assist in Bayern’s 5-0 win over St. Pauli on Saturday.