Kahn urges Bayern to get a world-class keeper

Former Bayern Munich goalkeeper and captain Oliver Kahn on Sunday advised his old club to recruit a world-class goalkeeper, as speculation grows Germany’s Manuel Neuer is set to join.

“A club like Bayern Munich should have a world-class goalkeeper, it makes the difference in a Champions League final,” ex-Germany goalkeeper Kahn told German television channel Sport1.

Kahn played his last game for Bayern in May 2008, but the Bavarian giants have struggled to replace him since and his immediate replacement Michael Rensing was later released by the club.

Germany ‘keeper Manuel Neuer has a contract at Schalke 04 until June 2012, but there is plenty of speculation in the German media he will switch to Bayern.

At the moment, veteran Joerg Butt, 36, is Bayern’s first-choice goalkeeper and his contract expires at the end of the season, while reserve Thomas Kraft, 22, is in the same situation.

“When I worked with Kraft, he was already a big talent,” said Khan.

“But Bayern must remember what happened with Michael Rensing.

“It’s one thing to be ready to replace the first-choice when needed, but it is another to have the full responsibility.

“For a very young goalkeeper it is extremely difficult to keep goal at Bayern, the pressure there is constant.

“Thomas Kraft has plenty of talent, but nobody knows how he will react under pressure.”

Defending champions Bayern are sixth in the Bundesliga and play their final league game of 2010 at Stuttgart on Sunday.