Manuel Neuer is still one of FC Bayern’s key players, but after a slip-up against Union Berlin, his workload is being discussed – and how it could be adjusted in future.
An unfortunate goal conceded, a clear reaction and advice from the highest authorities: the discussion about Manuel Neuer picked up speed after the 2:2 in Berlin, not only about the slip-up itself, but also about the question of whether the 39-year-old should still be given regular workloads.
Former goalkeeper Oliver Kahn commented on the scene in a TV talk on WELT TV and clearly spoke out in favour of more recovery phases. „It’s completely normal. It doesn’t matter whether you’re world class or not. A moment like that just happens,“ said Kahn, referring to the previous strain in the Champions League against Paris.
Kahn called for more foresight in dealing with the experienced keeper: „A game like Union would have been the right time for regeneration. Then you just let Urbig play.“ The former national goalkeeper also made it clear that he was speaking from his own experience: „I actually did that quite often and then said that I needed a regeneration break for the next game.“
In fact, Neuer has not taken a real break so far this season – the three games in which he has been absent have been for other reasons. He was suspended in two cup rounds and was spared once so that Jonas Urbig could play in. There has been no deliberate time off to recover so far.
These games could be Urbig’s
BILD mentions two specific Bundesliga games in which Urbig’s involvement seems realistic: the home game against FC St. Pauli on 29 November – a match against the offensively harmless bottom team – and the clash with Mainz on 14 December. Both dates are strategically placed to give Neuer a rest ahead of the cup and premier class games.
Neuer himself reacted self-critically after the mistake against Union: „The first goal, I also played my part in that. So the view wasn’t perfect for me and the distance isn’t perfect either. But I made the wrong decision.“
While the Bundesliga offers sporadic rotation potential, there is no discussion for the top games. According to information from BILD, Neuer will definitely be between the posts in the Champions League duels against Arsenal (26.11.) and Sporting (9.12.). He is also set to play in the cup round of 16 against Union on 3 December.
So whether there will actually be specific breaks will ultimately depend on the coaching team and the attitude of Manuel Neuer himself. For Oliver Kahn, the matter is clear: „It’s different than when you’re 25 or 35, 38 or 40. That takes longer in terms of recovery time.“