Flick struggles with his Bayern: Manuel Neuer has too much to do

Thursday 26 November 2020

By Tobias Nordmann

Hansi Flick sees Manuel Neuer “in the shape of his life”, but is far from happy with his captain’s role as a “lifesaver” at Bayern Munich. The 34-year-old must save against the brave Salzburgers in the Champions League again and again in difficulty.

Obviously Manuel Neuer’s arm went up. When was it ever different? On Wednesday evening Mërgim Berisha had overtaken FC Bayern goalkeeper from close range when the signal from the Munich captain came: it must have been an offside. And contrary to so many other moments, the 34-year-old could have been right in this 73rd minute of the match against FC Salzburg. The attacker’s knee could really have been mine before Chris Richards’ knee. Chris Richards, which is only a brief explanation, is a very young Bayern defender who was in the Champions League for the first time in the league’s starting line-up that night.

As it was actually very, very close between Berisha and Richards’ knees, this scene was checked out for minutes. The result: criminal behavior, in this case offside, was not identified despite all the technical aids. When in doubt, and it wasn’t just Neuer’s recovery arm, that is, for the attacker. Almost a bit like it used to be. This eternal hustle and bustle wasn’t all that important, as the Munich side quietly put the result at 3-0 before this scene. Well, seeing as the goal counted, it finished 3: 1. With their fourth win in the fourth game, the team had secured the group’s victory early.

Despite their extremely sovereign record in the premier class, the Monaco team were not at all satisfied. And that too was due New. His file against Salzburg was filled with a surprising number of working proofs. The fact that almost all of these tests were marked from “strong” to “sensational” probably did not surprise anyone. “He’s really in the shape of his life,” said coach Hansi Flick. Like last weekend in the Bundesliga, it was the “lifesaver from serve” again. Against Werder Bremen, Neuer had already saved balls that no one except him has saved. And he was also there against Salzburg when his quiet front men called him as a last resort against impending damage. After 15 minutes, David Alaba had made a serious mistake which resulted in a double chance. Neuer held exceptionally once, the margin then effortlessly.

“… then the goal gets smaller and smaller”

Neuer prevented an even more spectacular goal in the 70th minute. He unleashed a secret shot of Berisha for a full eight minutes before making her body big again in a flash and leading lonely Enock Mwepu’s edge through the door. Stunned among the guests, great applause among the people of Munich, Alaba and Thomas Müller. “Manu has been playing sensationally for over a year,” said Flick. As opposing attackers get close to him, the target gets smaller and smaller. He has crazy reflexes. We had a world-class goalkeeper in goal. I’m really glad it was in this The shape is. “Otherwise Bayern wouldn’t be in the round of 16 soon.

Against Salzburg, his team had “too many unnecessary ball losses”, complains Flick: “We have to minimize our mistakes, these are the issues that I have always touched”. His team could “make life a little easier. At the moment we are making it a little too complicated.” Especially in the first round, the Munich team was often too “careless” and “blurry”. You have to be different on the pitch. But Flick sometimes struggles to catch up with the series winners, as he admitted: “I have 51 games here, we’ve won 46. What do I want to say about the team?”

Robert Lewandowski paved the way for Bayern with his 71st European top-flight goal – only Cristiano Ronaldo with 131 and Lionel Messi with 118 goals are even better. An own goal by Maximilian Wöber (52nd) and a header by Leroy Sané (68th) made the decision. In addition to the torpor of the defense, there was also the exemption for the premier class rookie Marc Roca (66th). “The yellow-red card wasn’t necessary,” Flick said. “But he can be satisfied with his debut.” Safe on the ball, convincing in the structure, something could develop. A good new insight for Flick, who still needs a strong alternative for Joshua Kimmich for some time.

But that evening they all talked about Neuer. Also in Salzburg. Obviously also in Salzburg. “He’s great, the best goalkeeper in the world,” said coach Jesse Marsch. “He has a lot of control, he understands the game, the pace, he’s fantastic, a great goalkeeper.” Well, this is nothing new.