Bayern München’s first half of the season ended with a 90th minute winner. Manuel Neuer has been in stunning form this season and has only conceded four goals in the first 17 matches, which is a new Bundesliga record. The World Footballer of the Year nominee spoke to DFB.de about making history, the first half of the season and the winter break.
Question: Mr Neuer, the game against FSV Mainz was settled in the last minute thanks to Arjen Robben. Was it the toughest game FC Bayern have recently played?
Manuel Neuer: It was a tough game, in which we invested a lot and came from behind to win. The injury crisis made things harder – we only had 14 players available so that makes the victory sweeter. Mainz played well and attacked strongly. The fact we didn’t create many chances shows how difficult it was out there.
Question: You conceded your first goal since the 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in early November. Does that annoy you?
Neuer: I was angry that we fell behind. Conceding goals is part of football but thankfully we have only conceded four so far in the league this season.
Question: You said it yourself, only four goals…
Neuer: It’s a tremendous achievement. I’d like to compliment the whole team for helping to make it happen. We have all worked hard to achieve this goal. Obviously, it starts with me but the attackers have tracked back well to make it easier for the rest of us. That was once of the key reasons for our success.
Question: You’ve also impressed the supporters with your role as a sweeper-keeper.
Neuer: So I’ve heard. It’s all well and good providing it doesn’t result in a goal. I always look to make the situation better and most of the times I’ve managed to do that.
Question: It’s not often that there are two goalkeepers on the bench. What did you make of this?
Neuer: It’s good – it keeps you on your toes.
Question: Will you be dreaming about winning the World Footballer of the Year award during the winter break?
Neuer: No, during the holidays I don’t really think about football. Obviously, it would be nice to win. Being named in the final three has already made me happy but it doesn’t influence my perforamnces.
Question: Are you looking forward to Christmas and a break?
Neuer: Of course. I don’t know exactly how many games I’ve played but I know it’s a lot. I’m happy to have a bit of a break now.
[mmc/mb]
Bayern München’s first half of the season ended with a 90th minute winner. Manuel Neuer has been in stunning form this season and has only conceded four goals in the first 17 matches, which is a new Bundesliga record. The World Footballer of the Year nominee spoke to DFB.de about making history, the first half of the season and the winter break.
Question: Mr Neuer, the game against FSV Mainz was settled in the last minute thanks to Arjen Robben. Was it the toughest game FC Bayern have recently played?
Manuel Neuer: It was a tough game, in which we invested a lot and came from behind to win. The injury crisis made things harder – we only had 14 players available so that makes the victory sweeter. Mainz played well and attacked strongly. The fact we didn’t create many chances shows how difficult it was out there.
Question: You conceded your first goal since the 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in early November. Does that annoy you?
Neuer: I was angry that we fell behind. Conceding goals is part of football but thankfully we have only conceded four so far in the league this season.
Question: You said it yourself, only four goals…
Neuer: It’s a tremendous achievement. I’d like to compliment the whole team for helping to make it happen. We have all worked hard to achieve this goal. Obviously, it starts with me but the attackers have tracked back well to make it easier for the rest of us. That was once of the key reasons for our success.
Question: You’ve also impressed the supporters with your role as a sweeper-keeper.
Neuer: So I’ve heard. It’s all well and good providing it doesn’t result in a goal. I always look to make the situation better and most of the times I’ve managed to do that.
Question: It’s not often that there are two goalkeepers on the bench. What did you make of this?
Neuer: It’s good – it keeps you on your toes.
Question: Will you be dreaming about winning the World Footballer of the Year award during the winter break?
Neuer: No, during the holidays I don’t really think about football. Obviously, it would be nice to win. Being named in the final three has already made me happy but it doesn’t influence my perforamnces.
Question: Are you looking forward to Christmas and a break?
Neuer: Of course. I don’t know exactly how many games I’ve played but I know it’s a lot. I’m happy to have a bit of a break now.
