After Oliver Kahn, Hasan Salihamidzic and Julian Nagelsmann, President Herbert Hainer has now also criticized Bayern Munich’s captain Manuel Neuer for his interview.
“It was incomprehensible to us and also disappointing that Manuel Neuer didn’t seek the direct route to us, but went public,” said Hainer BR24 sports about the statements of Neuer to the Süddeutsche Zeitung and The Athletic.
The Bayern boss continued: “I’m even more disappointed than angry. Because I thought Manuel has been with us for so long, he’s such a great player that he has so much trust and only discusses it with us.”
Above all, Hainer is angry that the goalkeeper did not act in an exemplary manner and contrary to the philosophy of the German record champions. “He has a special responsibility as captain. He has put his own interests ahead of those of the team and the club. While I understand his mood, the most important thing is the club,” he explained.
Like Nagelsmann on Sunday, Hainer evaded the question of whether Neuer would keep the captain’s armband despite everything. “We will sit down with him, work things out and discuss everything calmly and professionally,” he said, emphasizing: “Manuel Neuer is a world-class goalkeeper and has been with us for more than ten years. The most important thing is that he gets healthy and can play again. Then we’ll see.”
Most recently, Thomas Müller represented the seriously injured goalkeeper as captain. Another successor to Neuer could be Joshua Kimmich. “I now have to answer the question of who will be the captain on the field in the next five months – whether it’s Thomas, Josh or another player,” Nagelsmann said on Monday Picture-Newspaper.
A termination of Neuer’s contract, which runs until 2024, is not an issue. “No, not at all,” Hainer clarified and said with regard to Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit after his scandalous interview: “That’s why we are FC Bayern Munich. At FC Bayern Munich we will always clarify things like that internally. Do things like that Bayern out and strong.”
According to reports, the 36-year-old himself is not thinking of saying goodbye too soon. It is not yet known what punishment Neuer will receive.
