FC Bayern: “Heart ripped out” – Manuel Neuer gives an explosive interview about Tapalovic’s exit

In an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung and The Athletic drastic words chosen for the dismissal of Toni Tapalovic. He had the feeling that “my heart was being ripped out,” said the multiple world goalkeeper with a view to FC Bayern Munich’s decision.

The FCB captain went even further and described the goalkeeping coach’s departure as “the craziest thing I’ve experienced in my career”. For him it was “a blow when I was already on the ground” and a “big disappointment”.

“It has to do with the human aspect, dealing with a deserving employee: We want to be different as Bayern Munich – a family,” explained the 2014 world champion: “And then something happens that I haven’t experienced here before. It’s a shame for everyone.”

Everyone in the goalkeeper group was “torn to pieces,” according to Neuer: “People burst into tears.” That’s why he also considered drastic steps: “I’ve thought about everything possible, including my future at the club.”

Ultimately, however, those responsible assured him that they did not want to hurt him personally. “I said I disagreed with the reasons given and I felt I was heard,” he said.

Manuel Neuer: Will “work professionally” with Nagelsmann

The 36-year-old was seriously injured on a ski tour after returning from the World Cup in Qatar and will be absent from the record champions into the summer. However, he does not want to be accused of irresponsibility. “It’s not a holiday activity for me, it’s like going to the bakery,” he downplayed the activity: “There was something under the snow that stopped me. I drove maybe 10 or 12 km/h. I’m already on this slope Went down countless times, even alone. Usually it’s a piece of cake.”

He immediately apologized to those responsible and said he was sorry. “I’m not a coward who hides,” said Neuer. The diagnosis came as a great shock to him: “I had a lump in my throat and tears came to my eyes. I just mumbled: ‘Call the team doctor.’ It kills me when I hurt people around me. I can’t deal with that.”

The Munich team then signed Yann Sommer as a replacement. Shortly thereafter, Toni Tapalovic, who had been goalkeeping coach at Säbener Straße since 2011, was released.

Coach Julian Nagelsmann gave the reason that “there was never a cooperation”. Neuer cannot understand this justification, “things were said that I do not share”. Despite the differences, he will “work professionally” with Nagelsmann.

Neuer is convinced that after recovering from injury he will return as number one at FC Bayern and in the national team: “When the time comes, I look in the mirror and tell myself the truth, like always. If I don’t perform , I’ll vacate the post. But don’t count on it!”