In an interview, Manuel Neuer sharply criticized the Bayern bosses. The goalkeeper draws a drastic comparison. Neuer also openly addresses the World Cup and the chaos surrounding the “One Love” bandage.
Hard words from Manuel Neuer in the direction of Bayern’s boardroom. In an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung and the online portal “The Athletic”, the goalkeeper sharply criticized the decision to release his long-time goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic. It was “the most blatant” thing he had experienced in his career. He had the feeling that “my heart was being ripped out,” said Neuer. He described the action as a blow when he was already on the ground. As a reminder, Neuer is currently in the healing process after breaking his lower leg on a ski trip at Lake Tegernsee.
Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann justified the decision by saying that “we never worked together”. An opinion that Neuer does not share. “There was no reason I could understand. Things have been said that I disagree with. Nothing I’ve heard has ruled out the possibility of talking to each other and working things out.”
Nevertheless, he will continue to “exchange ideas with Nagelsmann and work with him professionally,” says Neuer. “We spoke openly, he knows how I feel about it. I protect our belongings and will never get in the way.”
When asked about a possible loss of his old regular place with Bayern or in the national team, Neuer replies combatively: “The best will play. If I want to play, I have to be the best.”
Another statement reveals how deep the frustration about the Tapalovic dismissal at the Bayern keeper is. In it, Neuer even questions the “Mia san Mia” feeling: “At Bayern Munich we want to be different – a family. And then something happens that I have never experienced before. It’s a sad thing for everyone: for the club, for Tapa, for the staff and for all the goalkeepers, including me.”
In the exclusive interview with “SZ”, Neuer also commented on the chaos surrounding the “One Love” bandage. Shortly before the start of the World Cup in Qatar, the topic had caused a stir after FIFA had banned the bandage shortly before the tournament started. The reaction of the players to cover their mouths before the opening game against Japan was considered by many in Germany to be too mild.
“We had the feeling that we had little support at home,” explains Neuer. Instead, “political things had a weighting that we as athletes have never had before.”
