After FC Bayern’s 3-1 defeat at FC Arsenal, one name in particular is in the spotlight: Manuel Neuer. The captain comes under criticism after two unfortunate scenes – but Vincent Kompany demonstratively stands in front of his goalkeeper. The Bayern coach clearly contradicts the charged discussion and provides a classification that is clearly different from the voices from the media and the public.
The discussions have been ongoing since Wednesday evening. At 1:0 through Jurrien Timber, Neuer was blocked in the five-metre area, lost his balance and reacted too late. At 1:3, the 39-year-old sprinted far out of his goal to intercept Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli – and was punished coldly. Add to that the mistakes against Union Berlin and in the Freiburg game: the debate about Neuer’s form is running at maximum volume.
Kompany surprised by the criticism: „Football is also an opinion“
While fans, experts and former players classify the scenes as clear blunders, Kompany shows a completely different understanding of the situations. „What mistake? No. I have a different opinion,“ he clarified on Friday.
He doesn’t see the Martinelli scene in particular as a gross goalkeeping error: „What are you supposed to do as a goalkeeper? Of course you can make mistakes, but I’m surprised here.“
The Belgian emphasized several times that he does not want to be blamed – neither for these scenes nor for the overall result. His message: Neuer was not the reason for the defeat and the error analysis takes place at team level.
No crisis mode – Kompany protects Neuer and sends a signal
The prevailing opinion at the club is that the large number of set-pieces and the lack of intensity in the second half were the decisive factors – not the goalkeeper. Neuer’s block at 1-0 was a direct consequence of the extreme Arsenal set-pieces that have been causing Bayern problems for weeks.
Kompany’s view was that the risk with the third goal was also correct in principle. The captain wanted to defuse the counter-attack early – a stylistic device that has distinguished him for years.
When asked whether Neuer could be given a break, Kompany was deliberately cautious, but nevertheless clear. „If we swap goalkeepers, it’s always in consultation with Manu,“ he emphasised. At the same time, he did not rule out Jonas Urbig getting more playing time in the future: „Of course we want Jonas to make progress. Manu wants that too, so that he can develop.“
But the time for that has not yet come: „That has to be done in peace, I haven’t gotten around to it yet.“
The coach’s words show that FC Bayern have no intention of a goalkeeping crisis. Kompany deliberately chose a different tone than many experts – a sign of trust, but also of strategic calm.