For years, there have been rumors that the relationship between Bayern Munich goalkeepers Alexander Nübel (spent last three seasons on loan with VfB Stuttgart) and Manuel Neuer has been sour.
Well, former Bayern Munich board member for sport Hasan “Brazzo” Salihamidžić is here to tell you that it is all true.
“Interpersonally, it never clicked between the two of them. Neuer and Nübel didn’t get along, and Manuel didn’t give up any games either. That’s why it was frustrating for Alex,” Hasan “Brazzo”
Salihamidžić said during an appearance on Sport1 Doppelpass (as captured by @iMiaSanMia_GER). “Manuel was a few years younger back then and had a certain ambition that he perhaps no longer has in that form today. We know that Manuel is the best goalkeeper in the world, and that simply comes down to him, which is why it didn’t work out.”
Salihamidžić says he came under fire for pursuing and ultimately signing Nübel back in 2021.
“I don’t think that’s entirely fair now. He was signed on a free transfer, and we thought: Okay, we’ll take a look at it for two years and decide then,” Salihamidžić stated.
What puzzled Salihamidžić was Bayern Munich’s contract extension with Nübel in April 2024. The agreement extended the goalkeeper’s contract through 2029. Just months later, Jonas Urbig was acquired months after the extension and subsequently thrusted himself into the role as goalkeeper of the future. Salihamidžić thinks the move was questionable — especially because Urbig and Neuer have a good relationship.
“I don’t know what the intention was when the contract was extended. They must have had something in mind,” said Salihamidžić. The two of them (Neuer and Urbig) are getting along well now. Urbig is doing a fantastic job too – he plays with his feet even better, I have to say.“
As for Nübel’s future, Salihamidžić thinks he will end up fine, but could need to re-think his contract.
“What happens now is not easy, because he has a long-term contract, and I don’t know what the numbers are, but somehow that has to be resolved,” Salihamidžić said. “Alex is a very, very good goalkeeper. I’m sure he’ll get a really good club.”
Neuer and Nübel will be teammates for Germany at the World Cup this summer.
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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