Klopp backs Musiala after health setback as Germany return remains firmly open

Jurgen Klopp has reassured Jamal Musiala that the door to the Germany squad remains open after the Bayern Munich midfielder experienced recent health problems.

Klopp, who is preparing to take charge of Germany, sent Musiala a voice message after becoming concerned about the 23-year-old’s situation. The former Liverpool manager was speaking at the Allianz Arena on Friday as Bayern began their Bundesliga campaign with a 5-1 victory over visitors VfB Stuttgart.

Musiala, who has won 46 caps for Germany, responded quickly to Klopp’s message.

“I sent him a voice message. Because he doesn’t know me at all, he doesn’t know my number either. If I had called him, I would probably have been ringing him for three days, and I don’t think he would have answered,” Klopp said.

Klopp described Musiala’s circumstances as “a situation nobody would wish on anyone”, but said the young player should focus on allowing himself enough time to recover.

The Germany coach explained that his message was intended principally as encouragement and to remove any concern Musiala might have about his position with the national team.

“In the end, everything will be all right. Almost everyone agrees on that, but not at this moment,” Klopp told Sky Sport Germany.

“I wanted to take away at least this one worry from him: whether it would have any effect on his situation with the Germany team. That is certainly not the case. I cannot take away anything more from him.”

Klopp added that Musiala had returned to peak fitness, according to Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany, and praised the midfielder’s physical condition.

“He has returned to the top of his fitness, and Vincent Kompany confirmed that to me. His physical condition is exceptional,” Klopp said.

The priority now, Klopp believes, is patience from both Musiala and those around him.

“We have to give him the time he needs, and he has to give himself that time as well,” he said. “Young players, in reality, do not have many problems apart from becoming impatient. At a stage like this, you certainly must not lose patience.”

Klopp also believes Musiala is in the right surroundings to continue his recovery at Bayern.

“But I think he is at the ideal club and in the ideal environment. We want to contribute to that ideal environment and simply say: ‘Come on, young man, get well.’ After that, the door is open.”

Klopp is due to announce his first Germany squad on 17 September. The national team will then assemble for the start of the Nations League, with matches scheduled against the Netherlands on 24 September, Greece on 27 September, Serbia on 1 October and Greece again on 4 October.

Musiala’s recent difficulties mean his involvement will remain a point of interest when the squad is named, but Klopp’s comments make clear that the player’s place in Germany’s plans has not been ruled out.