Bayern Munich: Manuel Neuer wants to play at least for next two years
Manuel Neuer attempted an outrageous skill against FC Koln on Friday when he evaded the intense press from the opposition by showing great composure in a tight situation. The German goalkeeper looked in sublime form for Bayern Munich during the 1-0 win in Cologne on matchday 12 of the Bundesliga.
The international break gave Neuer to take rest after playing five consecutive games for the first time in over ten months. The German international has been on the sidelines since last December due to a serious leg injury. He had broken his leg during a freak accident on a ski trip.
Neuer had to go through a long rehabilitation process to play again in front of the Bavarian faithful. The German goalkeeper was initially expected to be back for the pre-season, but a set-back in recovery meant he had to undergo another surgery.
After months of rehabilitation, Neuer was finally back in training at the start of October. Thomas Tuchel and Bayern took a cautious approach regarding his return. After playing six games on the bounce, Neuer feels he can play at the top level for a few more years. While talking to Bild on Friday, Manuel Neuer admitted that he also hopes to play at the top level, at least until 2025, like Thomas Muller.
"“I want to play at least as long as Thomas. I would of course be happy to continue. It depends on my health. At the moment I’m feeling better and better. I think the international break was good for me.”"
Bayern are expected to open contract talks with Neuer during the second half of the season. He remains the first-choice goalkeeper in the squad, but Die Roten are making sure that he is completely fit and back to his best before offering a new deal.
Neuer’s current deal at Bayern is set to expire at the end of the season. He will be 38 next year, so Die Roten will mostly offer him a short-term contract. It will be interesting to see how Bayern will go about finding the successor of Neuer. Those are pretty big shoes to fill since Neuer has been a world-class goalkeeper for a long time, and he is a leader in the dressing room.
Meanwhile, Bayern are close to renewing the contract of Sven Ulreich. The Bavarian club was pleased with the way Ulreich filled in for Neuer during the first three months of the season. Ulreich will most likely retire from the game once his new deal at Bayern expires in a couple of years.
Next. Tactical takeaways from 1-0 win against Koln. dark
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The record Bundesliga champions are also set to hold talks with Muller in the coming weeks. The German forward has not been playing regularly this season, but he wants to play at the top level until 2025. It remains to be seen if it will be at Bayern or other powerhouse of European football.