Against his normal ways, Eberl preaches patience with Neuer (Tz’s Hanna Raif and Mano Bonke)
Bayern Munich board member for sport Max Eberl is not normally the most patient fellow.
However, when it comes to Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s uncertainty on whether or not he will play another season, Eberl is willing to play it slow — as he detailed in an interview with Tz:
Max Eberl on Manuel Neuer’s future.
Eberl: “He just turned 40, and we celebrated his birthday. We spoke again in the last two weeks: Manu will now prepare for the important games in April, and then we’ll sit down and talk.”
But at some point, you have to plan what will happen with the goalkeeper position.
Eberl: “Patience isn’t one of my strengths; I’m a very impatient person. And yet, sometimes it’s wise to wait a moment instead of rushing into something.”
Your ideal scenario?
Eberl: “If Manu is up for it, feels good, is ready, and our expectations of each other fit together, I can well imagine an extension.”
It is all about Neuer and how he feels (and maybe a little about how much money he wants, too). The club will give the veteran time to work it out, especially knowing how the coming weeks could impact his decision.
Kompany perplexed by Goretzka shorts (Goal)
It is hard to shock Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany, but his players managed to do just that by breaking out some Leon Goretzka accessories after the team’s scintillating 3-2 comeback win over SC Freiburg on Saturday.
Notably, Serge Gnabry was wearing shorts with Goretzka faces all over them:
“He had a pair of pants with Goretzka’s head on them?” Kompany asked, visibly perplexed. Shaking his head slightly, he added: “Maybe my German is still not so good, but I have the feeling that I didn’t understand the question.” It was a rare moment of confusion for the manager, who has otherwise settled quickly into life in Bavaria. “You are welcome to ask me something about Real Madrid now, but on this subject, I have no idea. Sorry.”
Of course, the shorts in question are below, but we would be remiss if we did not mention the “Hasselhoff-esque” quilt (!?), poster (!?)…whatever it was, that Josip Stanišić was parading around with, too:
Boys will be boy, eh?
Anyway, if you want to read more about Bayern Munich’s bizarre Goretzka fetish, here you go.
City vs. United still battling for Anderson (ESPN)
It really might come down to a battle between Manchester United and Manchester City for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson:
Both Manchester United and Manchester City will “move quickly” to try and sign Elliot Anderson, The Sun reports. Any deal for the Nottingham Forest midfielder is expected to be worth around £100 million if he does move this summer. However, both Manchester clubs fear an impressive performance at the World Cup this summer could see his value skyrocket further. City are reportedly leading the race for Anderson, although Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali also remains on their radar, should the Italy international fail to agree a contract extension on Tyneside.
At this point, it seems like a two-horse race. Those rumors linking Bayern Munich to Anderson are no longer a thing given the club’s alleged plans (for now) to go young and promote from within.
City won’t stop Rodri from taking Real deal (Sky Sports)
If Rodri wants a move to Real Madrid, Manchester City will not stand in his way:
Manchester City will not stand in the way of Rodri if he wants to join Real Madrid, says Pep Guardiola.
The City midfielder was quoted as saying that he would like to return to Spain at one point and suggested it would not be possible to turn down a move to the 15-time champions of Europe.
When Guardiola was asked about Chelsea’s decision not to consider Enzo Fernandez for selection after making similar comments about his own future, the City boss was adamant that he would not be taking such a stance.
What Chelsea has done is Chelsea. There is not one player who I think would turn down the chance to play in Madrid. I understand completely. He was born in Spain.
“Always my wish is that Rodri would stay longer, as long as possible in this club, because he is an incredible player, a top player. I know he has proved for many years how attached, how close he is to this club. His contribution at this club has been massive. Now I have the feeling in the last one or two games that he is really, really back for a long, long period.”
Guardiola has long made it clear that any player who does not want to play for City can leave. Asked if that applies to Rodri too, he said: “Absolutely. The organisation of the club is above all of us. If one player is not happy, they have to leave. It will continue the same.
“Always I think he is happy and I hope he is happy but if he is not, all he has to do is knock the door of the sporting director, accept an offer in an accordance with his incredible quality and after that it belongs to the clubs and himself.”
Chelsea eyeing Kobel (Chelsea Chronicle)
Chelsea might be planning to take a run at Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel:
A plethora of goalkeepers have already been linked with Chelsea, given the Blues are expected to sign a new shot-stopper this summer, and the latest is Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel.
For years, Dortmund have been unable to resist the lure of Bayern Munich. Mario Gotze, Robert Lewandowski, and so many more have made the switch. Now, Bayern want to replace Manuel Neuer.
The Bayern legend is in his forties, and the German champions want a replacement. Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel is said to be at the top of the list for Vincent Kompany’s side, ahead of the summer window.
Whoa…slow down there. While Bayern Munich has been linked to Kobel in the past, there is no indication that the Bavarians will be looking to splurge on a goalkeeper this summer — especially because Neuer has not made a decision as of yet and Jonas Urbig looks to be Neuer’s successor.
Anyway, it would not be shocking if Chelsea — or any big club — wanted Kobel, who has been rock solid for BVB.
Newcastle eyeing Coulibaly (ESPN)
Newcastle United could be keeping a close on Werder Bremen winger Karim Coulibaly:
Newcastle United may swoop for Werder Bremen youngster Karim Coulibaly this summer, Fabrizio Romano has revealed. The Magpies are one of several clubs keeping tabs on Coulibaly, who has shone in the Bundesliga this season. The Germany youth international is said to be ready to take the next step in his career, with a host of major European clubs keen on signing the 18-year-old.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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