Bayern captain Manuel Neuer admits that he has not yet digested the defeat against Leverkusen. He has clear ideas for the Champions League duel with Lazio.
Bayern captain Manuel Neuer is still thinking about the loss of the top Bundesliga game in Leverkusen. “We haven’t digested it if you go down there like that,” admitted the national soccer goalkeeper on Tuesday evening in Rome. The 37-year-old is now waiting for his team to react in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday.
“Everyone has the motivation and the hunger to perform better and show who we are. We have to play with a certain conviction at Bayern and be adults,” said Neuer. “We definitely want to advance to the next round. You have to keep getting up.” This applies after defeats, after setbacks, after injuries.
“Have many leading player”
What was also noticeable in Leverkusen was that it was not possible at all to put goal scorer Harry Kane in the spotlight offensively. “Harry also has to be fed by us. If he is brought into the danger zone, he is a phenomenon,” said Neuer. He himself continues to suffer from “a few problems” with his knee, but these did not prevent him from playing.
Regarding the leadership debate that flared up again after the humiliating 3-0 defeat at the Bundesliga summit in Leverkusen, the Bayern captain said: “We have a lot of leading players in our own ranks. Thomas Müller was not on the pitch, Jo Kimmich came on as a substitute, was injured. It’s true that with a well-coordinated team and a certain axis you can sort things out.”
But if one of the leaders is missing, like at Bayer, others have to take over. “Those who were on the pitch are also experienced,” said Neuer: “Then players who are not in the front row, but in the second or third, have to take on more responsibility and coach in the interests of the team and success. “
Tuchel feels no pressure
Thomas Müller also has very clear ideas about Bayern’s rendezvous with Lazio on Valentine’s Day. It’s about “standing not with the rose in your hand, but with the ball in the opponent’s net,” said the veteran – then the talk of the crisis and the coaching discussion that has arisen would fall silent for the time being.
And coach Thomas Tuchel doesn’t want to be influenced by this either: “Even if Bayern Munich loses, the sun will rise again,” said the 50-year-old and added smugly: “Even if you don’t believe it.”
After the humiliating 3-0 defeat at Bayern Leverkusen in the Bundesliga summit, it was “important not to go completely to ruins,” Tuchel emphasized: “We are very self-critical, but we can still allow ourselves to play with confidence. The point is, to be ready again and to show a reaction.” He doesn’t feel any growing pressure himself.
“The pressure is a great privilege. It’s a sporting pressure, I’ve never felt anything different. The louder the noise gets, the more important it is to stay calm.”
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Source: BR24Sport February 13, 2024 – 8:30 p.m
