Champions League
Neuer’s crystal clear messages for the future including Müller’s vote
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (l) recently extended his contract with FC Bayern Munich. photo
© Sven Hoppe/dpa
Manuel Neuer’s comeback is amazing. Austria coach Rangnick sees “a luxury problem” for national coach Nagelsmann. The Bayern goalkeeper has clear plans for the future – and goals.
In the largely lame 0-0 draw against FC Copenhagen, the captain ensured in the 88th minute that at least Munich’s streak of 39 unbeaten group games in the Champions League was not broken.
“We were a bit lucky that we didn’t end up 0-1,” said Neuer modestly about his great double action. He quickly saved with his hand and foot on the goal line against Copenhagen attacker Mohamed Elyounoussi, who first headed and then shot powerfully. In addition to the hand penalty taken back by referee Stephanie Frappart in stoppage time, it was the splendid end for Bayern to a game that otherwise did not cause any of the 75,000 spectators to leave the stands.
Quickly get back to your old strength
One month and seven appearances were enough to dispel the legitimate doubts in Munich as to whether the 37-year-old Neuer would be able to return to his previous world-class level after his serious skiing accident with a complicated leg fracture, which called into question the continuation of his great football career could connect. Neuer can – and how!
The 2014 world champion hardly looks back on the long months of uncertainty. Neuer is looking forward full of enthusiasm – to 2024, to the home European Championship and also to “a nice game in Munich in 2025”. 13 years after the bitter defeat in the “final at home” against Chelsea FC, the next but one premier class champion will be crowned again in the Allianz Arena. “We all want to get to this final,” said Neuer.
He seems relaxed like never before. He sees everything that comes after the broken leg shock in December 2022 as a bonus. “I’m really happy again that I can be there.” In the stadium, in the goal, at FC Bayern. Neuer doesn’t set a career deadline. “I want to play for as long as I enjoy it. It didn’t take long for me to think that it would continue until 2025,” he said about the quick contract extension.
Return to the DFB team is approaching
Neuer is also aiming to return to the national team. At the end of March – probably against Holland and France – he wants to celebrate his comeback in the DFB goal, where he last stood at the flop 2022 World Cup in Qatar. There are still no agreements with national coach Julian Nagelsmann, said Neuer on Wednesday evening. But he formulated his expectations crystal clear: “We all assume that if everything goes normally that I will be there again.”
Bayern and DFB colleague Leon Goretzka is convinced: “Manu simply stands for himself. He has played in his own league for almost his entire career. What he did again today in the final phase with his saves,” said the 28-year-old impressed: “It’s just a matter of whether he stays fit. Then for me Manu is the best goalkeeper in the world.”
Austria’s national coach Ralf Rangnick already sees “a luxury problem” coming to Nagelsmann. Neuer or Marc-André ter Stegen (31)? Who will be number 1 at the home European Championship? “It’s certainly not easy for Julian to decide,” said Rangnick on ZDF. Rangnick is impressed with how Neuer has returned. “It’s great for him, for Bayern, but also for the national team. I absolutely trust him to come back,” said Rangnick. Neuer wants to “play the EURO in his own country”.
Matt on offense
The clean sheet against Copenhagen spoke again for Neuer. He still didn’t leave the stadium satisfied. Because the 18th win in a row in group games was missed. “Defensively it was quite good, something was missing offensively,” said Neuer about Bayern’s lackluster performance. This also annoyed offensive player Thomas Müller, who was once again allowed to play for over 90 minutes. “Of course I would have liked to get on the scoresheet or set one up,” said the 34-year-old, who almost scored with a header.
Will Müller soon extend his contract beyond 2024? Yes, believes Neuer’s long-time companion: “Thomas Müller simply belongs to Bayern Munich.” Here, too, the captain made a clear announcement: “I assume that if Thomas talks to Bayern and Bayern talks to Thomas, that will work.” Müller himself did not want to speak of “a simple yes or no question” when planning his future. But he is also interested in another premier class final in Munich in 2025: “That’s a bit of a decoy.”
Bundesliga table Bayern squad Bundesliga schedule CL schedule Pk Tuchel to Copenhagen Group standings Season statistics Statistics manual Champions League Schedule National team Performance profile of Manuel Neuer