Manuel Neuer defended himself against the accusations that he had wanted to exert pressure on the management of FC Bayern through his advisor Thomas Kroth and commented on the statements made by his advisor.
“I have my own opinion. I know where to put this. We’ve been in total exchange with the bosses,” Neuer made clear on the sidelines of the test match against FC Arsenal (1:2): “It’s behind locked doors and not for the public. When I have something to say, I tell the bosses, not a newspaper.”
Neuers advisor Kroth had indicated two weeks ago in an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung a change of the world goalkeeper from 2013 after the expiry of his contract in two years, if FC Bayern should not qualitatively strengthen the squad.
“Manuel is success-oriented. My impression is that the gap to the four top English teams is already serious and that the Munich squad is not yet positioned to tackle Manuel’s goals seriously,” Kroth had said.
However, with reference to the duration of the transfer period, Neuer stressed that “not all days are evening yet”: “Our bosses want to have a top squad. We know you’re doing your job. I’m still relaxed.”
Robert Lewandowski had recently struck other notes than Neuer. The star striker of the record champion clearly demanded new top players from the Munich team.
“I hope that the board and the people working on it will strengthen us as a team. Not only with young players, but also with players who are directly top in the world. That is clearly our wish, and I hope that will happen in the next few days,” Lewandowski said.
Recently, rumours have spread that the German record champion is said to have taken his sights off two Spanish youngsters in addition to wish transfer Leroy Sane. The FCB has already reached an agreement with Marc Roca (23) of Espanyol Barcelona and is said to be only arguing with the Catalans about the transfer fee. According to a kicker report, Celta Vigo also offered the Bavarians a transfer from Brais Mendez (22).