Neuer row with Bayern opens door to Man Utd or Chelsea move

Carlo Garganese

• 5 Feb 2023 15:45 GMT
• 4 min read

Manuel Neuer’s explosive public row with Bayern Munich has opened the door to a surprise transfer to Manchester United or Chelsea this summer.

Neuer is currently locked in a war of words with Bayern’s management over the release of goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic.

Tapalovic was released by Bayern after allegedly leaking information from the coaching staff to the press.

Neuer was close friends with Tapalovic and has taken the decision badly. He has publicly criticised the club, leading to Bayern hitting back at the veteran goalkeeper.

There is now a growing feeling that this could even lead to Neuer leaving this summer.

Neuer turns 37 next month and ia already out for the rest of the season after breaking his leg on a skiing trip after the World Cup.

With Bayern having subsequently signed Yann Sommer, there is now more than a chance that Neuer may have played his last game for Bayern.

Both Manchester United and Chelsea are in the market for a new number one ahead of the 2023-24 season, and Neuer certainly fits the bill as a top-class option for two to three seasons.

What did Neuer say about Tapalovic?

"That blow hit me extremely hard," Neuer told the Athletic. "I was told by the club officials. It came out of nowhere. For Toni too. I didn't understand that at all. It really knocked me down.

"Toni was always a team player with us, everyone saw it that way. He wasn't working for me for eleven and a half years, but for the entire goalkeeper group, for the coaching staff and for the club. We were always able to separate work and private life. I understand that it might sound like I'm not being objective or not believable, but I can really tell the difference.

"For me, that was a blow - when I was already down on the ground. I felt like my heart was being ripped out. It was the most brutal thing I've experienced in my career. And I've experienced a lot.

"There was no reason that I could comprehend. Things were said that I don't agree with. Nothing I heard would have ruled out the possibility of people talking to each other and sorting things out.

"This is about the human side of things, the way a valued employee was treated. At Bayern Munich, we want to be different - a family. And then something happens that I have never experienced before. It's a sad thing for everyone: for the club, for Tapa, the staff and all of the goalkeepers, including me. Nevertheless, I want to say: I'm a human being on one hand, and I'm a professional on the other."

What did Salihamidzic say about Neuer?

Bayern Munich sporting direct Hasan Salihamidzic hit back at Neuer.

Salihamidzic told Bild: "I understand that Manuel is personally affected. But I would have expected a different behaviour from him, especially as a captain. [The] Tapalovic decision, which was also difficult for us personally, had nothing to do with Manuel in this matter, and we explained that to him.

"If there are any consequences, we will first talk to Manuel about it himself. The disappointment that he describes about Tapa's release also prevails with us because Manuel has put his personal interests here above the interests of the club. But we will do it internally and discuss it reasonably with him."

Neuer’s contract at Bayern expires in 2024, increasing the chances of him leaving for a small fee this summer.

Indeed, former Bayern midfielder Dietmar Hamann commented on Sunday that he believes Neuer won't play for Bayern again after his comments.