Ahead of Bayern Munich’s upcoming match against VfL Bochum, head coach Vincent Kompany addressed recent criticisms directed at Manuel Neuer. The Bayern goalkeeper faced scrutiny after the team’s 4-1 loss to Barcelona, in which he was unable to make a save. Additionally, Neuer was held partly responsible for one of the goals after coming off his line but failing to connect with the ball.
Kompany emphasized that responsibility for the loss doesn’t fall solely on Neuer. “When we lose, we lose together. It’s not just Manu, but the whole team and the coaches. That’s important,” Kompany explained. He also suggested that any adjustments Neuer might make are aimed at improvement, adding, “Criticism is part of it, but hopefully we can be successful against Bochum.”
Discussions Around Neuer’s Role Intensify
Since Neuer’s comeback from a broken leg in the summer of 2023, there has been a steady stream of discussion surrounding his future with Bayern. The debate over whether it may be time for him to step aside has been fueled by the strong performances of Alexander Nübel, who is on loan at VfB Stuttgart. Nübel has delivered consistently for Stuttgart, earning a call-up to the German national team, which has led some to wonder if he could become Bayern’s next number one.
In addition to Nübel’s achievements, Bayern is reportedly considering Jonas Urbig from 1. FC Köln as a possible alternative for the goalkeeper position, adding to the growing conversation about Neuer’s long-term role at the club.
Neuer’s Focus on Improvement
Despite the criticism and pressure, Kompany expressed confidence in Neuer’s determination to adapt and perform at his best. As Bayern aims to recover from their recent defeat, Neuer’s response to the criticism will be closely watched in the upcoming match against Bochum.
