‘Neuer is no longer acceptable as Bayern captain’ – Matthaus wants keeper stripped of armband in Munich
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- World Cup-winning keeper out injured
- Broke his leg in skiing accident
- Has questioned asked of keeping coach
WHAT HAPPENED? The World Cup-winning goalkeeper has been Bayern’s go-to option when it comes to on-field leadership, with Neuer having spent close to 12 years at the Allianz Arena. He has, however, caused controversy with his actions in 2022-23 – with an unauthorised skiing holiday leaving him with a broken leg, while the 36-year-old has hit out at the Bundesliga champions for parting company with keeping coach Toni Tapalovic.
WHAT THEY SAID: Matthaus is among those to have been left less than impressed by Neuer’s antics, with the former Bayern skipper telling Sky Deutschland: “Manuel Neuer is no longer acceptable as Bayern captain! He skied negligently and is now giving an unauthorised interview in which he vehemently attacks the club. Hadn't he said a few weeks ago that no one was above the club? And now this.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: On Neuer’s comments in which the Germany international said Tapalovic’s sacking “felt like my heart was being ripped out. It was the most brutal thing I've experienced in my career”, Matthaus said: “What bothered me a lot about Manuel's interview is the exaggerated choice of words. His heart was torn out. With all understanding: no one died, no child is seriously ill, it is the separation of an employee to whom he was very close.”
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WHAT NEXT? Neuer has taken in 489 appearances for Bayern, helping them to 10 Bundesliga titles and two Champions League crowns, and he remains tied to a contract through to the summer of 2024.