Three former top footballers from FC Bayern Munich are very critical of Manuel Neuer’s controversial interview. Lothar Matthäus, Dietmar Hamann and Stefan Effenberg believe that a farewell to FC Bayern is not unlikely after the furious accusation.
Former internationals Lothar Matthäus, Dietmar Hamann and Stefan Effenberg have sometimes sharply criticized Manuel Neuer for his sensational interview statements against FC Bayern. “It will definitely be difficult to put this cut tablecloth back together,” said Matthäus in his capacity as an expert at pay TV broadcaster Sky. “He clears himself of everything and attacks everyone else. That’s not FC Bayern.” The Munich would “not put up with it,” said the German record international. “Even if it’s Manuel Neuer.”
In an interview with the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” and “The Athletic”, Neuer attacked FC Bayern’s club management for separating from goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic. That was “the most blatant” thing he had experienced in his career, said the newcomer who had been missing for a long time with a broken leg. “For me it was a blow when I was already on the ground. I felt like my heart was being ripped out.” At the request of the German Press Agency, Bayern boss Oliver Kahn announced “clear talks” with Neuer.
“Some of these quotes are simply embarrassing for me,” said Hamann, also as a Sky expert. “It’s about his own vanity, he puts himself first and not the club.” When asked if Neuer would ever play for Bayern again, Hamann replied: “Rather no.”
Tapalovic is a close confidant of the keeper and was also the best man at Neuer’s wedding. Hamann said that this personal relationship was problematic after Yann Sommer was signed as transition number one. “Tapalovic’s departure was the only right decision for me,” said the TV expert, who once played for Bayern himself.
Former Bayern leader Stefan Effenberg is also critical of Neuer’s statements. “Nothing and nobody is above the club. No player, no coach is bigger than Bayern Munich. No, the club is always the most important thing,” wrote the 54-year-old in his column for the news portal “t-online” and provided the next one Cooperation between Neuer and FC Bayern is an option. The goalkeeper should “think about whether it makes sense for him, after these allegations, to still fulfill his contract with FC Bayern, which is valid until 2024 – or whether it might be better to leave the club”. Effenberg would “not be surprised” if he said goodbye next summer.