At the turn of the year, the sport.de editorial team put some provocative theses for the football year 2023 to the test. This time in focus: the consequences of Manuel Neuer’s absence for FC Bayern.
Thesis: FC Bayern will not be champions without Manuel Neuer
Marc Affeldt: Short, sweet, brute: FC Bayern will win the championship trophy in 2023 even if mascot Berni is ordered between the posts. It’s different in the Champions League, where without Neuer there could be a rude awakening against Paris Saint-Germain. Especially since this Mbappé, this Neymar and this Messi shouldn’t be bad.
Christian Schenzel: Nothing costs Bayern the championship. No change of coach, no injury, no weak phase, no fuss behind the scenes, no opponent. This team is so much broader and better staffed than any other that it would be deeply embarrassing not to win the Cup due to a single (admittedly important) failure.
Chris Rohdenburg: In certain circumstances! However, this should not happen if those responsible act correctly. I’m quite convinced that Neuer’s lack of defense overall will not do him any good – not to mention his saves. But: I firmly believe that FC Bayern will sign a top replacement. If he shows what is required and expected of him, Neuer’s failure is no longer an issue and the championship is certain.
Mats Yannick Roth: The championship will not be decided between the posts this year either. Bayern have scored 49 goals in 15 games this season and have been able to rely almost exclusively on their concentrated attacking power. Whether the man in the back is called Ulreich, Nübel or Schenk doesn’t matter in the championship question this season.
Lissy Beckonert: Even if Neuer were to put his broken leg in goal, the championship could no longer be taken away from Munich. After all, the title has never depended on a good goalkeeping performance in the last ten years.