Bayern Munich: Christian Fruchtl dreams of succeeding Manuel Neuer in future
Bayern Munich has been blessed in the goalkeeping department over the last decade. Since arriving from FC Schalke in 2011, Manuel Neuer has been a mainstay in the starting XI. By the end of his career, he will go down as one of the best goalkeepers in the history of the game, thriving under various coaches at Bayern Munich.
The German skipper has shown no signs of decline despite turning 36 earlier this year. Neuer was handed a new contract at the end of last season. After winning every possible trophy with Die Roten, Manuel Neuer remains hungry for more success.
It is going to be an uphill challenge for Bayern to find the right successor for Neuer. Along with his astonishing technical skills, Neuer is a leader in the team. One of the former goalkeepers of Die Roten is dreaming about replacing Neuer at Bayern in the future.
Christian Fruchtl has not given up on the dream of replacing Neuer at Bayern. The young goalkeeper left Bavaria in the summer to join FK Austria Wien on a permanent deal. While talking to the media earlier this week (via SportBuzzer), Fruchtl admitted that he still hopes to become a long-term replacement for Neuer at Bayern.
"“I still want that. But I think everyone else wants that too, to be in goal for Bayern Munich and play at the highest level.”"
Fruchtl also revealed that he enjoyed a great relationship with Neuer. The 22-year-old shot-stopper tried to learn as much as possible from a world-class goalkeeper during his time in Munich. If he performs well at FK Austria Wien, then he will be soon working with Manuel Neuer in the German National team.
Bayern rated Fruchtl highly, but the last two seasons have been disappointing for his development. His loan spell at FC Nurnberg in 2020/21 was a disaster as he struggled to get consistent playing time. He returned to Bavaria and suffered a serious injury that stopped him from going out on loan in 2021.
Die Roten eventually allowed Fruchtl to leave permanently this summer to kickstart his career in Austria. He already has nine appearances to his name this season. With consistent playing time, Fruchtl will be able to get the rhythm and fulfill his potential. Die Roten will be keeping a close eye on him since they have included a buy-back option in the deal that saw him join FK Austria Wein.
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Bayern may see a few changes take place in the goalkeeping department next summer. Sven Ulreich’s contract will expire at the end of the season, while Alexander Nubel has no plans to return from his loan spell at Monaco to be second fiddle to Manuel Neuer. The German champions may have to find a solution that will help them in keeping both Neuer and Nubel.