Lothar Matthaus has ripped into Manuel Neuer after his underwhelming display for Bayern Munich against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.
Barcelona Vs Bayern Munich
Vincent Kompany’s side were humbled 4-1 by Barcelona, with Raphinha securing a hat-trick, while former Bavarian star Robert Lewandowski netted a goal.
Bayern Munich’s only goal in the affair came from Harry Kane, who also had a goal chalked off for offside.
The defeat meant the German giants have picked up only 3 points in 3 Champions League games thus far this campaign, having lost 2 matches and drawn 1.
The Munich-based club presently sit in the 23rd position on the Champions League log, with their hopes of automatic qualification to the next round looking bleak.
Several Bayern Munich players have been criticized for their display in the UEFA Champions League this term, having lost to Aston Villa 1-0 on October 2, 2024.
Lothar Matthaus Criticizes Manuel Neuer Over Poor Goalkeeping Display Against Barcelona
Germany and Bayern legend Matthaus is the latest to bash players of the Bavarian side and he took aim at the performance of Manuel Neuer.
Neuer has been integral for Bayern Munich since joining the club from Schalke 04 in 2011, amassing 531 club appearances and winning 28 trophies thus far.
However, in recent years, mistakes have become a consistent feature in his game and Lothar Matthaus has pointed out that the goalkeeper is no longer at the level he used to be.
Lothar Matthaus’ Comments On Manuel Neuer
Speaking to German media outlet BILD, Matheus said: “I don’t normally want to criticize Manuel. But at the moment he is not the support for the team that he was in the past.”
“Manuel Neuer is no longer Manuel Neuer. Because he doesn’t save the unstoppable balls, his goalkeeping has changed.
“He used to anticipate every situation, he had a 360-degree view, and he would initiate attacks with a build-up pass. At the moment, he is not giving the defense any security.”
Lothar Matthaus also left a positive message for the legendary goalkeeper, sharing that he hopes “that he will soon find his way back to his old game and confidence.”
Manuel Neuer
Neuer has been in and out of the Bayern Munich setup since breaking his leg in a skiing accident in December 2022, and the 38-year-old looks to be under pressure for the goalkeeping position due to recent errors, with Sven Ulreich and Daniel Peretz also waiting in line for the number 1 spot.
Manuel Neuer, who retired from international football in August 2024, has made 10 appearances this campaign across all competitions, recording 4 clean sheets.
Neuer’s current contract with Bayern Munich expires in the summer of 2025, having penned a contract extension in November 2023.
It is uncertain if he will renew his contract at the end of the 2024/25 season or possibly decide to hang up his boots.
Manuel Neuer Expected To Be In Goal For Bayern Munich’s Upcoming Match
Manuel Neuer will turn his attention to German Bundesliga action on Sunday, October 27, 2024, with Bayern Munich scheduled to trade tackles with VFL Bochum.
The Bavarian giants currently occupy the 1st spot on the log with 17 points, having won 5 matches and drawn 2.
They have garnered equal points as 2nd-placed RB Leipzig but with a better goal difference of +17 compared to Marco Rose’s side +9.
