Bundesliga: Kahn on Neuer’s statements: Doesn’t do justice to him or Bayern

CEO Oliver Kahn from FC Bayern Munich has criticized captain Manuel Neuer for his statements in two interviews.

“What Manuel said in parts of these two interviews in connection with Toni Tapalovic’s release does neither do justice to him as captain nor to the values ​​of FC Bayern. In addition, his statements are untimely because we are facing very important games,” said Kahn at the request of the German Press Agency.

Kahn draws parallels with Sepp Maier

When asked about Neuer’s motives, Kahn said: “He’s personally affected, you have to understand that to a certain extent. We were also aware of that when we explained to him that the decision that was not taken lightly on the question of the goalkeeper coach was the best at the moment for our team. I was in a similar situation as a national player in 2004. Our goalkeeping coach Sepp Maier felt badly treated by the DFB and they split up. I had worked with Sepp for years and we had a friendly and trusting relationship,” he said Munich CEO.

“I was disappointed at the time, too, and I was angry at the DFB. But the common goals were my priority. They were more important to me than my personal feelings. And that’s why I decided not to express myself publicly at the time. Manuel has now done the opposite,” added Kahn. The former vice world champion announced “clear talks” with Neuer, who can no longer play this season due to a broken leg.

Neuer disappointed with the decision on Toni Tapalovic

Neuer had previously spoken in an interview with the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, which also appeared on the “The Athletic” portal. He had ruled out resigning from the national team. Neuer expressed his disappointment that the German record champions parted ways with long-time goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic. “He didn’t just work for me for eleven and a half years, but for everyone,” explained Neuer. “It was a blow for me when I was already on the ground. I felt like my heart was being ripped out, that was the craziest thing I’ve experienced in my career,” Neuer said.

The past few weeks must have kept Neuer busy. First the bitter preliminary round at the World Cup, then the injury from the skiing accident, for which he had to listen to a lot of criticism, and finally the release of his friend goalkeeping coach Tapalovic. In addition, Yann Sommer was brought in as an experienced keeper – after all, a Swiss national goalkeeper – for around eight million euros. He certainly doesn’t want to give up his place anytime soon.

Neuer’s statements come at an inopportune time, as Kahn noted. In the Bundesliga, the top of the table has moved closer together after Munich’s false start, and in the Champions League, the cracker against Paris Saint-Germain with world champion Lionel Messi awaits on February 14th. Since Kahn and Co. can not use further disruptive fire, especially since Neuer immediately sent a declaration of war on deputy Sommer and the competition in the national team. “I’m still here, even though some people may have the feeling that they are fed up with the old players,” said Neuer: “The best will play. If I want to play, I have to be the best.”