Manuel Neuer’s interview after goalkeeper coach Toni Tapalovic was kicked out at FC Bayern has had wider repercussions. Now it has been revealed that there has been a crunch between coach Julian Nagelsmann and the keeper for a long time.
“It was a blow for me – when I was already on the ground. I felt like my heart was being ripped out. It was the most brutal thing I’ve experienced in my career,” these words from Manuel Neuer’s highly acclaimed interview keep resonating.
Compared to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” and “The Athletic”, the FCB keeper indirectly criticized those responsible for the German record champions for throwing out his long-time goalkeeping coach and close friend Toni Tapalovic. According to reports, he had to resign due to differences with head coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Now the “kicker” has revealed that Neuer does not have a good relationship with Nagelsmann either. This had already been “badly burdened” before the 36-year-old’s injury and Tapalovic’s exit, the trade journal wrote in its latest issue.
One of the reasons for this: Nagelsmann sees Joshua Kimmich as his direct contact. The relationship between the goalkeeper and the coach is understood to have cooled further following the latest incident surrounding the interview.
Manuel Neuer does not shy away from the conflict at Bayern
According to “kicker”, “some players” within the team have shown solidarity with Neuer. Exactly what these are is not stated. However, it turns out that the captain, who is currently injured after his skiing accident (which was criticized by external experts), continues to enjoy the highest esteem in the team.
Although it is currently being discussed whether Neuer still has a future at FC Bayern, the 36-year-old himself apparently does not think about throwing in the towel. As the “kicker” further reports, Neuer is not planning an early departure in the summer.
Does Nagelsmann benefit from a severance clause at Bayern?
The national goalkeeper (contract until 2024) does not shy away from further cooperation with the coach, including possible internal conflicts, nor from competition in his position, for which Yann Sommer was last brought in by Borussia Mönchengladbach as a replacement (contract until 2025).
Meanwhile, Nagelsmann – despite the recent victory in Wolfsburg – is not firmly in the saddle, as it is said. And in spite of all public support.
However, he is allegedly still benefiting from the fact that according to his contract he is entitled to an exorbitantly high severance payment if he has to leave the German record champions within the first two years of the contract.
This sum is not to be significantly reduced until July 1, 2023. Nagelsmann’s working paper is dated until mid-2026.