Bayern Munich bemused by comments from Manuel Neuer
There has been a significant change in Julian Nagelsmann’s coaching staff at Bayern Munich. The Bavarian club decided to part ways with long-term goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic at the start of last week. The departure of the German coach has definitely raised eyebrows amongst players.
Previously, it was reported that several players were surprised by the departure of Tapalovic. Manuel Neuer was reportedly taken aback by Tapalovic’s sacking. The German shot-stopper has worked with him at Die Roten for more than a decade. There was great camaraderie between Tapalovic and Neuer due to such a long working relationship.
In an interview with The Athletic this week, Neuer expressed his disappointment about the departure of Tapalovic. The German goalkeeper believes that there was no strong reason to dismiss Tapalovic, and things could have been sorted with dialogue. Neuer also dismissed rumours suggesting that Tapalovic leaked information from coaching staff to him.
The comments from Neuer have not gone down well with Bayern. While talking to DPA, Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn admitted that Neuer has let down the club with his comments. He also insisted that the decision to part ways with Tapalovic was taken in the best interests of the team.
"“What Manuel said in parts of these two interviews in connection with Toni Tapalović’s release does not do justice to him as captain or to the values of FC Bayern! In addition, his statements come at the wrong time because we have very important games ahead.”“He’s personally affected, we have to understand that to a certain extent. We were also aware of that when we explained to him that the decision – which was not easy – was the best thing for our team at that moment.”"
As per Bild, Neuer is expected to face consequences for his comments in the interview with The Athletic. The German goalkeeper may get a fine for his words. Considering the harsh words from the club’s CEO on this topic, Neuer will get some sort of punishment.
Meanwhile, Bayern is also expected to get a replacement for Tapalovic. Tom Starke is temporarily working as a goalkeeping coach with the first team. Starke has been working with the young players at the academy, but he is open to becoming first-team coach if Die Roten decides to appoint him.
It does look like Julian Nagelsmann has a different candidate in his mind for replacing Tapalovic. One German report confirmed last week that Nagelsmann wants to add Michael Rechner from Hoffenheim to his coaching staff. Rechner has previously worked as a goalkeeping coach under Nagelsmann at Hoffenheim. Die Roten is expected to hold talks with Hoffenheim to sign Rechner.
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The recent comments from Neuer do suggest that all is not well between him and Nagelsmann. The dismissal of Tapalovic may have damaged the relationship. For now, Neuer is focussing on his return from a severe injury that he suffered in December. He is confident about returning to complete fitness by the start of pre-season training in the summer.