After the shocking news about Manuel Neuer’s end of the season, it’s still unclear at FC Bayern how things will continue in goal. Ex-player Lothar Matthäus proposes Timo Horn from 1. FC Köln as a substitute. He also sharply criticized the regular keeper of the German record champions.
“The current situation is that you have a really good replacement in Sven Ulreich,” said Matthäus in his “sky” column clear and added: “Every time Ulreich was needed, he did his job more than properly. I think that the national double is absolutely feasible with him and Bayern don’t have to worry about it.”
Matthäus would not necessarily sign a new keeper. “There’s no way Manuel will say goodbye to the big stage and want to play again after his recovery. This means that any goalkeeper Bayern would buy would have to deal with being on the Bayern bench in six months’ time.” the record national player continued.
Trying to find another number one “like Gregor Kobel” or other goalkeepers of this caliber makes no sense in Matthäus’ eyes. “Because I think that everyone will take second place after Manuel’s return,” emphasized the 61-year-old.
Timo Horn a candidate at Bayern?
But if FC Bayern still wants to step up, “you could look around for an experienced goalkeeper who no longer gets a chance at his club or who would be satisfied with the role behind Ulreich and, if the worst comes to the worst, has so much class and experience that he could replace Ulreich”.
Matthäus thinks “of the category of a Timo Horn from Cologne”. The 29-year-old has moved into second place at Effzeh. According to “Sport Bild”, his expiring contract should not be extended.
Does Nübel make “the same mistake” again?
Matthäus considers it unlikely that loan player Alexander Nübel will return early. “He knows best what it means not to be allowed to play in Munich as long as there is a Manuel Neuer. He didn’t even want to make room for him (promises or not) for a few games,” recalled the former Bayern professional return.
Therefore, Matthäus does not believe that Nübel would make “the same mistake” again.
Matthäus criticizes Neuer: “Negligible”
In the column, Matthäus also criticized Manuel Neuer. The 36-year-old broke his lower leg while ski touring, had to undergo an operation and will be out until the end of the season.
“As far as Manuel’s skiing accident is concerned, I have to say: I can understand that a player wants to clear his head, seek distraction and just have fun. But skiing on rather remote ski slopes that are not so safe because the risk can be less calculated is negligent,” judged Matthäus.
The 1990 world champion didn’t want to criticize the goalkeeper too much, “but it was similar to driving a car with summer tires in the dead of winter,” said Matthäus.