He has been in great form for weeks: Bayern captain Manuel Neuer has repeatedly demonstrated his class in recent games and has left opposition attackers in despair time and again with numerous world-class saves. On Tuesday evening in the Champions League group game away at Atlético Madrid, the 34-year-old will be rested and will stay in Munich. The two-time treble winner spoke to fcbayern.com about taking a break, his impressive form and his nomination for FIFA’s World Goalkeeper award.
Manuel Neuer on his game off versus Atlético Madrid:
“I will of course watch the game. The important thing is that you can rest. Especially with the punishing schedule of recent weeks and months, it’s difficult to take breaks. I’ll recover, maybe I’ll just rest a bit, and get back in goal next game this weekend against RB Leipzig”.
Neuer on his impressive form:
It has to be said that I have a lot of confidence in the people in front of me. I’m very grateful for the players in front of me – no matter who it is now in our back four, in defence. We always try to perform the best we can together – and that’s why I’m having so much fun at the moment, playing under this coaching team and with all the players. I think that we’re very confident in ourselves, you can see that we just have a great team on the pitch, and for me personally it’s because of this that I’m never afraid to do what I have to do in the game. Instead, I’m very brave and always try to make the right decision.”
Neuer on his World Goalkeeper 2020 nomination:
“Of course, as a goalkeeper, that makes you very proud, but I think it’s also an appreciation for us as a team. I’m very grateful to be part of a great team with really good players, especially in front of me in defence. When it comes to an award like this, it’s not just a success for me personally, but for the entire defensive unit. That’s a good feeling. It also shows that we’ve done a great job in Europe – in Lisbon and in the Champions League in general. We can be proud of ourselves.”
