Neuer prioritised himself over Bayern with goalkeeping coach comments, says Salihamidzic

Hasan Salihamidzic has accused Manuel Neuer of putting his own interests above those of Bayern Munich amid a row over the sacking of goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic.

Neuer, who is sidelined for the rest of the season after breaking his leg during a skiing trip in December, criticised the club’s decision to part ways with Tapalovic in an interview with The Athletic.

The Germany international said his long-term mentor’s exit came as a “blow”, adding: “It really knocked me down”.

Neuer’s comments have attracted criticism from Bayern’s hierarchy, with chief executive Oliver Kahn saying they “do not do justice to him as captain or to the values of FC Bayern”.

Sporting director Salihamidzic echoed those thoughts in an interview with BILD, saying he expected more from the Bayern skipper and declaring Tapalovic’s exit was not the goalkeeper’s concern.

“I understand that Manuel is personally affected. But I would have expected a different behaviour from him, especially as a captain,” Salihamidzic said.

“The Tapalovic decision, which was also difficult for us personally, had nothing to do with Manuel in this matter, and we explained that to him.”

Asked if any punishment would be handed out to Neuer, Salihamidzic said: “If there are any consequences, we will first talk to Manuel about it himself.

“The disappointment that he describes about Tapa’s release also prevails with us because Manuel has put his personal interests above the interests of the club here.

“We will do it internally, and discuss it reasonably with him. Oliver classified the parts of the interview that are relevant for Bayern correctly. We have to clarify a very important topic with Manuel.”

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— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) February 4, 2023