Manuel Neuer with a comeback against Salzburg
Manuel Neuer did not let the cool splashes of the lawn sprinkler distract him from the concentrated preparation for his amazing cold start comeback in the FC Bayern goal. With full commitment, the national soccer goalkeeper dived after the sharply shot balls from goalkeeping coach Toni Tapolovic.
Julian Nagelsmann also followed his captain’s final endurance test very closely during the final training session in cool Munich, wrapped up warm in a jacket, wool hat and gloves. After that, the thumbs went up for Neuer and Nagelsmann. “Yes, Manu will be able to play if there is no knee reaction overnight,” announced the coach.
In view of the enormous drop against the bold young bulls of RB Salzburg Nagelsmann must on Tuesday (9 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the Champions League and on Amazon Prime Video) take certain risks in the fight for a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. And that’s why the 34-year-old leader pushes Neuer onto the starting ramp in the most important game of the season so far – and that only four weeks after surgery on his right knee. “I’m very happy that Manu can play again,” said Nagelsmann.
Thomas Müller emphasized the effect that a goalkeeper giant like Neuer can have on Salzburg’s attackers, possibly also on national team colleague Karim Adeyemi. “If a Manuel Neuer is in goal, the opponents might have a different mindset,” said Müller. He meant, loosely translated, Muffensausen when scoring.
Neuer’s nomination alone also documents the importance of the premier game in which Nagelsmann and his star ensemble absolutely have to avert a round of 16 knockout. The 1-1 from the first leg is dangerous – it was only equalized at the last minute Kingsley Coman three weeks ago in the Salzburg stadium. And the away goals rule no longer applies as of this European Cup season. A disdainful 0-0 would not be enough for the record champions to reach the quarter-finals for the 20th time.
Munich all-time winners like Neuer, Müller, Robert Lewandowski or Joshua Kimmich of course not. The 32-year-old Müller made this clear in the press conference. “Of course we have the pressure, we have to, we want to get on,” he said: “But I see it more from the other side: If we reach our goal and get on, then the season can be an extremely good one.”
But Bayern are not invulnerable. At the back, the offensive Munich are vulnerable, often self-inflicted. Müller warned that “risk management should be presented differently”. With Neuer and the world champion returning after his league suspension Lucas Hernandez should be zero at the back against an opponent who Nagelsmann classifies as “dangerous”. He is still missing Leon Goretzka and Alphonso Davies, who are so important because of their dynamics.
One thing is clear: the Bayern professionals have to deliver again under pressure. “Now every millimeter counts, every centimeter, every game,” warned the CEO Oliver Kahn. It’s about a title option and a lot of money that those responsible for expensive contract extensions and transfers need. The Champions League is a bubbling source, another 10.6 million euros would bring the quarter-finals.
Nagelsmann in particular feels the pressure before his 36th competitive game with Bayern. He was forgiven for losing 5-0 in the DFB Cup against Borussia Mönchengladbach. An early knockout in Europe – against a team from the skiing nation of Austria – would hardly be excusable. “I’m not a doomsayer,” he countered negative scenarios. But he knows that international success is at the top of the list of duties for Bayern coaches. Even the tenth championship title in a row could not whitewash his premiere season if it went wrong.
The people of Salzburg also dare to do great things in the Allianz Arena. After a massive corona outbreak, coach Matthias Jaissle is now available again for all professionals. Nicolas Seiwald boldly announced “full attack”. “We’re ready!” rang the 20-year-old midfield talent.
National striker Adeyemi also wants to be ready. Born in Munich with a past in the youth of FC Bayern wants to cause a sensation with goals against Neuer. “We are a block on the leg for Bayern,” said Adeyemi. Exactly these Bavarians have never been eliminated against a team from Austria.
