FC Bayern dropped important points at Schalke on Matchday 2 of the Bundesliga. After the scoreless draw, Manuel Neuer was self-critical, but at the same time is already looking ahead to the upcoming challenges. For the Bayern captain, one thing is clear: The team now faces a tough test.
FC Bayern could not manage more than a 0–0 draw at Schalke. Manuel Neuer tried to explain the result after the match: “There were 15 minutes during which we weren’t optimally positioned and didn’t have the right tempo. Other than that, I think we dominated the game, and the statistics speak for us,” Neuer explained to Sky after the match.
Despite their dominance, the Munich team was unable to find the back of the net. Bayern created several good scoring opportunities, especially in the second half, but time and again they were thwarted by Loris Karius.
“We weren’t efficient and didn’t capitalize on our big chances. LorisKarius deserved to be named Man of the Match—he made three great saves,” Neuer said, praising the Schalke goalkeeper.
As a result, the record champions had to settle for a draw for the first time this Bundesliga season. Following their opening-day victory over VfB Stuttgart, Bayern now has four points from two games.
„We’re a little on edge now and have our work cut out for us“
Neuer, however, refuses to consider the possibility of an early crisis. The 40-year-old sees no reason to look at the standings after just two matchdays.
„After just two games, we don’t need to look at the standings yet. We have to take it one game at a time,“ emphasized the Bayern captain. At the same time, he sees the draw as a wake-up call: „We’re a little on edge and feeling the pressure now.“
The Munich team doesn’t have much time to reflect on this anyway. Their Champions League campaign kicks off this coming Thursday. Bayern intends to show a response there.
„Next week we’re playing in the Champions League; we want to win and get off to a good start. After that, we have a tough away game in Elversberg. We’re focusing on each game individually,“ said Neuer.
An Emotional Return for Neuer
For the Bayern captain, the match at Schalke was a special one despite the disappointing result. Neuer returned for the first time in a long while to the place where his career began and where he spent a large part of his life.
“It was nice to be back here. I spent 20 years here and learned everything. My family lives here. I really enjoyed it,” Neuer said, even though he was booed by Schalke fans for much of the game.
From a sporting perspective, however, the return did not have a happy ending. Following the 0-0 draw at Schalke, Bayern faces its next challenge in the Champions League on Thursday.