In an interview with The Athletic, Neuer covered a wide range of issues and explained why he chose to take a ski vacation in the middle of the season, which led to him fracturing his leg.
He also criticised the club for firing Toni Tapalovic, the goalkeeping coach, calling it “the most horrible thing I’ve ever faced in my career.”
Neuer’s explosive interview
Manuel Neuer has slammed Bayern Munich’s decision to sack goalkeeping coach and close friend, Toni Tapalovic, feeling that his “heart was ripped out” upon hearing the news.
Neuer acknowledged that the firing of Tapalovic “struck him really hard.” “The club executives told me. It suddenly appeared, also for Toni. I did not comprehend that. It really brought me to my knees.”
The 36-year-old went on to elaborate on his connection with his now-ex-coach, saying: “Toni was always a team player with us. Everyone viewed it that way.”
“That was a blow to me because I was already on the ground (having broken his leg). My heart felt like it was being torn out. It was the most terrible thing I’ve ever gone through professionally. I’ve had a lot of experiences.”
Bayern Munich directors unhappy with Manuel Neuer after explosive interview
After the heated interview, several Bayern Munich officials expressed disgust with the 36-year-old’s remarks.
Kahn, who made 632 appearances during his 14-year tenure with the club, alluded to his time as the German national team’s goalkeeper and the 2004 loss of Sepp Maier as his goalkeeping coach when he said that the club would speak “quite explicitly” with Neuer about the situation.
“The common goals were my primary priority, even though I was angry with the federation at the time and disappointed. They took precedence over my subjective sentiments.”
“For that reason, I chose not to express myself in public. Now Manuel has taken the opposite action.”
Kahn remarks, “It doesn’t do respect to him as captain or the principles of Bayern.”
Bayern bosses are upset and disappointed with Manuel Neuer. Internal talks to take place soon. Punishment has not been decided yet, but there won't be a contract termination. The bosses want calm and are standing behind Julian Nagelsmann [@Plettigoal, @SkySportNews] pic.twitter.com/SyRcQXClj5
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) February 6, 2023
Salihamidzic claimed to understand Neuer’s suffering, but he still expected the team captain to act more responsibly.
Salihamidzic told BILD what he said: “I am aware that Manuel is directly impacted. But given his position as a captain, I would have anticipated a different attitude from him.”
The Bayern head coach Julian Nagelsmann acknowledged that he would not have granted the interview and has not spoken to his club captain since the interview.
“From Manuel’s standpoint, I wouldn’t have done the interview,” he added. “It doesn’t help calm things down, especially when he adds in the same interview that the club is the priority.”
Bayern Munich’s president, Herbert Hainer, has commented on Neuer’s interview.
When asked if Bayern would cancel Neuer’s contract following his explosive interview like United did with Cristiano Ronaldo, Hainer responded, “No, not at all.”
“We are FC Bayern Munich for this reason. At FC Bayern Munich, we will always internally clarify such matters. Such factors strengthen and distinguish FC Bayern.”
