The discussions surrounding Manuel Neuer show no signs of letting up at FC Bayern. Following his costly blunder against FC Augsburg and his subsequent injury-related absences, there is growing debate about the 40-year-old’s future. While Oliver Kahn recently voiced criticism, Lothar Matthäus is demonstratively standing behind the Bayern captain. The all-time national team leader considers the current debate to be overblown.
Ahead of the top Bundesliga match against RB Leipzig, Matthäus spoke to Sky about the goalkeeping situation at the German record champions. “The issue is being blown out of proportion. He made a mistake in Augsburg. But the decision should have been made before the season,” explained the 65-year-old.
For Matthäus, one thing is clear: Anyone who wanted a generational change in Bayern’s goal would have had to initiate it back in the summer.
Matthäus Disagrees with Kahn in the Neuer Debate
In recent days, Oliver Kahn has also commented on the situation at his former club. The former Bayern CEO takes a decidedly critical view of Neuer’s development, citing his own experiences toward the end of his career.
“When do I quit, when do I step down? You spare yourself certain situations. When you turn 36, 37, 38—I’ve experienced this myself—your body takes longer to recover. A mistake happens here and there,” Kahn explained.
The former world-class goalkeeper thus made it clear that the increasing physical challenges and occasional mistakes that come with advancing age in soccer play an important role.
Matthäus, on the other hand, assesses the situation differently. For him, there is currently no reason to fundamentally question Neuer based on a single mistake.
Above all, the former Bayern captain sees no indication that the club’s leadership is planning a premature change in goal.
“If he’s healthy, he’ll be back in goal.”
When asked whether Neuer would remain the number one goalkeeper until the end of the season, Matthäus gave a clear answer. “No, Bayern sees it the same way I do. If he’s healthy, he’ll be back in goal.”
His assessment thus aligns with Vincent Kompany’s most recent statements.
The Bayern coach had emphasized before the Leipzig game that there was a clear plan for the goalkeeper position within the club and that this plan remained in place.
Neuer missed both the Champions League match against Viking Stavanger and the Bundesliga game against Leipzig due to foot problems. Jonas Urbig filled in for him in both matches.
The 23-year-old is considered a potential long-term successor to the Bayern captain and is currently gaining valuable playing experience.
However, an immediate change in goalkeeping duties does not appear to be in the plans.
Neuer is now focusing on the Champions League match against Arsenal FC this coming Wednesday. It remains to be seen whether the veteran will be fit to play by then.