Will Manuel Neuer stay at FC Bayern or will he retire? A decision on his future is imminent – and depends on one factor in particular
A key personnel issue at FC Bayern is getting closer and closer: what will happen to Manuel Neuer? The captain of the record champions apparently wants to make a decision about his future soon
There should be clarity around his 40th birthday next week, with one crucial point in particular playing a role – his own physical well-being
At the press conference ahead of the match against Union Berlin on Saturday, sporting director Christoph Freund made it clear what is important when making a decision: „He listens to his body. Whether he feels he can play at this level for another year. What is important is what his gut feeling says,“ explained the Austrian
Internally, those responsible are already in close contact with the captain and are now waiting for a signal from the goalkeeper, according to Freund: „There are always talks with Manu, we know how he thinks, how he feels. He will then come to us.“
Although a specific date has not yet been set, a decision is unlikely to be long in coming. Neuer wants to wait and see „what April and the beginning of May bring, when he is back in goal, how he feels, also in English matches. Then we will have talks together and see the direction we want to take.“
Kompany: „40 is young“
Coach Vincent Kompany also commented on the future of his goalkeeper – and basically sees no problem in still playing at the top level at the age of 40
„40 is young,“ said the 39-year-old coach with a smile. In his view, the mental component is the most important thing: „Hunger is the most important word. Manu fought his way back from a really big injury, that was impressive. He was in incredible form this season. The fact that you can do that again and again – that’s a mental thing.“
At the same time, Kompany made it clear that in the end the body makes the final decision: „Your body says at some point: continue or not. That was the case with me. 40 is young, but you have to have a lot of motivation to keep getting back to this level.“
Neuer’s decision is hugely important for FC Bayern, as it will not only influence goalkeeper planning for the coming season, but also the strategic direction of this key position
Munich are now waiting for a signal from their captain – and to see whether an era at FC Bayern will be extended once again.