Manuel Neuer set for astronomical fine from Bayern Munich after no holds barred interview about club sacking close pal

Posted Saturday, February 11, 2023 by Thesun.co.uk

MANUEL NEUER is reportedly set to receive a HUGE fine from Bayern Munich following a controversial interview.

The German international, 36, slammed the Bundesliga champions' decision to let goalkeeper coach and close friend Toni Tapalovic depart the club.

Manuel Neuer spoke out against the club's decision to sack keeper coach Toni Tapalovic

According to AS, the issue is now resolved between both parties but Bayern are yet to dish out their punishment.

And it could be a fine as heavy as £1.4MILLION - a whole month's salary for the Bayern shot-stopper.

Neuer is currently sidelined until the end of the season after breaking his leg while skiing following Germany's World Cup exit.

But his absence from the pitch has not stopped him speaking publicly about the decision to axe Tapalovic.

In an interview with Sueddeutsche Zeitung and The Athletic, he said: "That blow hit me extremely hard. I was told by the club officials. It came out of nowhere. For Toni too. I didn't understand that at all. It really knocked me down.

"Toni was always a team player with us, everyone saw it that way.

"He wasn't working for me for 11-and-a-half years, but for the entire goalkeeper group, for the coaching staff and for the club. We were always able to separate work and private life.

"I understand that it might sound like I'm not being objective or not believable, but I can really tell the difference.

"For me, that was a blow — when I was already down on the ground [with his broken leg]. I felt like my heart was being ripped out.

"It was the most brutal thing I've experienced in my career. And I've experienced a lot."

In response, sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said: "From my point of view, I would not have given the interview, especially when he says that the club is in the foreground.

"It doesn't exactly help to keep the peace, since it monopolizes all the front pages."

Bayern sit top of the Bundesliga table as they seek an 11th successive title.

But they only hold a one-point advantage over second-place Union Berlin, with Borussia Dortmund just two points further adrift.