Musiala´s international future up to him – Flick

Hansi Flick is happy to see Jamal Musiala receive his first senior call-up for the German national team, but insists Bayern Munich and the DFB will have no sway in the player’s decision.

Musiala, who was born in Stuttgart but moved to England at a young age, came through the ranks at Chelsea before switching to Bundesliga giants Bayern in 2019.

The 17-year-old has represented both Germany and England at youth level, and in November made his debut for the Three Lions’ Under-21 side, subsequently scoring in his second appearance.

After making his Bundesliga debut in June last year, Musiala has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Bayern this term, scoring three goals from 14 league appearances, making two starts, while he has also played three times in the Champions League, as well as featuring in the DFB-Pokal and the DFL Supercup.

He has averaged a goal every 126 minutes in the Bundesliga, though has only created one chance so far.

Reports emerged this week suggesting Germany will hand Musiala a first senior cap in the upcoming March internationals, with Joachim Low’s side taking on Iceland, Romania and North Macedonia in World Cup 2022 qualifying.

The reports were confirmed by Flick ahead of Bayern’s home game with Hoffenheim, and he will offer his advice to the teenager if needed.

“We haven’t been talking about it yet. I only found out about today, that Jamal will be invited to the national team in March,” Flick told a news conference.

“Overall, I always am happy to see young talents that also play in Germany. Until now, the DFB always handled these situations similarly and let the player choose whether he’d like to join or not.

Quick feet from 17-year-old English wonderkid Jamal Musiala! #UCL | @FCBayernEN pic.twitter.com/vtNnf391rB

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 7, 2020

“Where he feels more comfortable, that is a decision that he’ll take on his own and with his family. He will have to deal with that by himself.

“Therefore, if he has any questions, he knows he can always talk to me about it. So you have to respect his decision either way.”

One Bayern youngster who has not had such a strong season is Joshua Zirkzee, with the 19-year-old reportedly set to join Serie A club Parma on loan with an option to buy, while Premier League side Everton havie also been linked.

Flick, though, suggested a potential move was not as far along as has been suggested.

“I can only read about it. Joshua was training with us today and I believe that he will still train with us after the deadline day,” Flick added. 

“In all openness, there is nothing to be declared.’

Zirkzee has managed just one start in the league this season, playing 92 minutes in total across three appearances, and has not added to his tally of four Bayern goals, which he scored last season.