Manuel Neuer’s recent mistakes in important games are heating up the minds of many football fans. While experts also disagree about the goalkeeper’s performance, the pressure on him is continually increasing. Does he have to slow down?
First his mistake in the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, then the positional error against Aston Villa, and now the sending off in the DFB Cup against Leverkusen. Three important games for FC Bayern in the last six months, three defeats. And there was always one person in focus: Manuel Neuer.
Opinions differ on the recent achievements of the now 38-year-old. t-online columnist Steffan Effenberg defends him: “Manuel Neuer is still a very, very good goalkeeper.” Former world-class goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel also supports him, saying to “Bild”: “He’s still absolutely world-class!” Others like ex-Bayern player Dietmar Hamann count him out publicly. “There have been several situations this year where Neuer was to blame for goals or where he was lucky,” said Hamann on Sky.
The pressure on the Bayern captain is increasing. He makes mistakes and at the same time fights to extend his contract, which expires in the summer. Now he is also out against Heidenheim at the weekend due to an injury. And so the following question must be allowed:
At 38 years old, Manuel Neuer is still an important pillar of FC Bayern. Also an identification figure for the club. But the 2014 world champion’s performances are now fluctuating and no longer as stable as they once were. Therefore, the goalkeeper should concentrate entirely on his sporting performance and give up his armband – it would be the only right thing and a logical step.
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