Neuer has big plans for Bayern: "The journey continues"
Manuel Neuer has big goals for FC Bayern Munich after extending his contract.
"I'm delighted to be part of the team again, that I can fully attack again and that our journey together will continue until 2025," said the captain of the German record champions following his contract extension. "We have a big goal with the Champions League final here in Munich."
This will take place on May 31, 2025. For now, Europe's premier soccer league continues today with the group match against FC Copenhagen. Neuer and his backup Sven Ulreich (35) are sure to receive a huge ovation against the Danish champions in front of 75,000 spectators. Both extended their contracts until June 30, 2025.
Further contract issues unresolved
In addition to the contracts of the two goalkeepers, the contracts of Thomas Müller, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Bouna Sarr also run until the end of this season. Müller is expected to remain at Bayern for the rest of the season, and the club icon is of particular importance to the management. For the other two professionals, a change of club is imminent.
"Manuel Neuer has shown since his comeback that he has lost none of his ability," said CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen. "That's very valuable for FC Bayern, it's simply incredibly important for the team to feel this support, to have this security at the back of the goal - and that then colors the whole game."
Neuer announcement: Great things can still come
Neuer has made six appearances in all competitions since his return a month ago, in which he put in strong performances. "I know that great things can still come. That's the standard I set myself," Neuer recently said in a club documentary about his comeback.
Following the national team's early exit at the World Cup in Qatar, Neuer suffered a complicated leg fracture during a ski tour in December. "It's the most serious injury we've seen in professional soccer for decades," said Peter Ueblacker, one of the team doctors in the documentary. The tibia and fibula were broken.
Neuer as part of a great goalkeeping tradition
The fight back was impressive. "Manuel Neuer is the best goalkeeper in the world in the last 10 or 15 years," said sporting director Christoph Freund. Bayern is known for its great goalkeeping tradition, said Freund, referring to the eras of Sepp Maier and Oliver Kahn. "Manuel Neuer is one of them."
Coach Thomas Tuchel spoke of "pride" at the prospect of Neuer's comeback. He emphasized that Bayern's good form is linked to its captain. "The return of Manu was a key for us to get even more security and more composure," said Tuchel the day before the Copenhagen game.
What is Nagelsmann doing?
The timetable for the DFB comeback has been set. Neuer wants to be back for the March internationals. His advantage in the duel with the current number 1, Marc-André ter Stegen, remains that his consistently fantastic performances at FC Barcelona often remain under the radar of the German soccer public.
German coach Julian Nagelsmann left all options open. "We all hope that he plays extremely consistently until the next international match. Then it will be a different story again," said the 36-year-old about Neuer.
- Manuel Neuer and FC Bayern Munich aim to make history in the UEFA Champions League, with the final set to take place in Munich on May 31, 2025.
- FC Copenhagen will face a formidable FC Bayern Munich team in the Champions League, with both Manuel Neuer and backup goalkeeper Sven Ulreich extending their contracts until 2025.
- Manuel Neuer, after his comeback from an injury, expressed his ambition to contribute to FC Bayern Munich's success and reaffirmed his position as a key player for the German national team.
Source: www.dpa.com
