After a good start to the season, Bayern Munich have hit a rough patch over the last few weeks. They have managed one win in their last five games across all competitions. The latest poor result came on Wednesday as FC Barcelona hammered them 4-1 in Spain on matchday three of the Champions League.
Bayern conceded early in the game against FC Barcelona, but they recovered and had a strong spell of 25 minutes. They were rewarded with an equalizer through a well-worked move between Michael Olise, Serge Gnabry, and Harry Kane. The English striker scored his 14th goal of the season.
Things went downhill for Die Roten after scoring the equalizer. Barcelona played on the counter and showed ruthlessness in the final third. The hosts gained a two-goal lead going into the break. Raphinha completed his hattrick before the hour mark to make it 4-1 for Barcelona and put the game beyond Bayern.
Kompany’s high press leaves defenders cover large spaces on the counter. They defended poorly for all four goals, but Manuel Neuer also made errors in at least two goals as his decision-making was way off the mark. The German goalkeeper has conceded goals too easily in the last five games. While talking to Bild, Lothar Matthaus raised concerns about the form of Neuer.
"I don't mean Manuel any harm, but he's not the support for the team at the moment like he was in the past. Manuel Neuer is not Manuel Neuer at the moment. His goalkeeping has changed. He used to anticipate every situation, he had a 360-degree view, and he could initiate attacks with a build-up pass. At the moment he cannot give the defense any security. Barcelona's second goal is a good example - Manuel hesitated, then went out of his line and was unable to do anything about the goal."Lothar Matthaus on Manuel Neuer
Matthaus also insisted that Neuer’s rate of 40% for shots stopped in the Bundesliga also underlines his poor run of form. The former German international believes Neuer should have stopped at least a couple of goals during the 3-3 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Neuer is most likely going through twilight of his career
Neuer’s quality on the ball has not declined at all. However, a goalkeeper is harshly but rightly so is judged by clean sheets and saves. Matthaus has certainly made a valid claim about the dip in the form of Neuer. The German veteran has been a top-quality goalkeeper over the years, but he will be 39 later this season, which suggests that the dip in form is natural.
Bayern are unlikely to be concerned about Neuer’s dip in form right now as they plan to extend his contract by another year. However, it would be gross negligence on the Bavarian club’s behalf if they are not thinking about implementing a succession plan from next season.
Neuer has been a champion player, and he has a terrific mentality of bouncing back from rough patches. His place in the team is far from being in jeopardy despite recent performances. However, the longer his poor run of form continues, there will be pressure on Bayern to start thinking about life after Neuer as soon as possible.