What goes into the perfect save? Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer had a answer that may surprise you — coming from him.
“It doesn’t have to be spectacular, it just has to be effective,” Neuer explained for L’Équipe (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “Many saves are overly theatrical, designed to make for a good photo. It’s better to catch the ball and maintain possession than to concede a corner. You could then concede a goal, and the save will have been for nothing. The most important thing is effectiveness.”
Neuer, no love of the theatrical? This guy?
Whatever you say, Manu!
In any case, there is little doubt the GOAT is still enjoying his football and playing with both flair and smarts. And in all seriousness, while Neuer plays ballsy and high-risk at times, there is a method to the madness. He has the audacity to venture where few other GKs would, but the payoff in fast transitions is usually worth it. And technically, those are not saves in the shot-stopping sense — they cut out the chance before it materializes.
It just so happens that Neuer’s top-level play tends to make for good photos, too.
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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