Is the relationship between Neuer and Nagelsmann beyond repair?
German football magazine Kicker reports that the relationship between Julian Nagelsmann and Manuel Neuer is 'difficult to repair'.
Bayern Munich's recent dismissal of goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic seems to have added to an already strained relationship between head coach Julian Nagelsmann and club captain Manuel Neuer.
Tapalovic was relieved of his duties in January after more than a decade at the club, with Bayern citing differences, particularly over the way they worked together, as the reason.
Neuer, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in December, has since criticized the decision, telling The Athletic journalist Raphael Honigstein that learning about Tapalovic's dismissal was "the most brutal" experience of his career.
Club bosses Hasan Salihamidzic and Oliver Kahn were quick to publicly reprimand Neuer, and Nagelsmann spoke in the same vein yesterday, telling reporters:
"I wouldn't have given the interview. We have important weeks ahead. It doesn't help calm things down. It keeps the newspapers busy."
Asked if the captain's armband could be taken away from Neuer, Nagelsmann responded:
"I'm not thinking about that. I know this question is being asked because of the interview. But it's not a question to answer now. In general, I've always stressed he's the best goalkeeper in the world. I hope he comes back healthy, everything else is up in the air."
According to Kicker, the relationship between Nagelsmann and Neuer was already strained before the Tapalovic feud, among other things because the Bayern coach favors Joshua Kimmich as a contact person and often leaves Neuer out.
But even if it has come to a point where the relationship is 'difficult to repair', Neuer is not thinking about leaving the club or hanging up his gloves, as reported per Kicker, who claims that the 36-year-old remains determined to get back on the pitch as Bayern's first-choice goalkeeper next season.