Manuel Neuer’s long-awaited return boosts Bayern but ‘Klassiker’ at Dortmund will be the real test

Football
Published 30.10.2023
Manuel Neuer’s long-awaited return boosts Bayern but ‘Klassiker’ at Dortmund will be the real test

Manuel Neuer is lastly again for Bayern Munich. He received’t get a lot time to settle in earlier than the “Klassiker” with Borussia Dortmund.

Neuer’s long-awaited return Saturday from a damaged leg, practically a 12 months after his final membership recreation, was overshadowed by the motion elsewhere on the sphere, with a spectacular Harry Kane aim and three pink playing cards as Bayern received 8-0 in opposition to Darmstadt.

It wasn’t the mild post-injury introduction for Neuer that the rating suggests. It was goalless at halftime earlier than Darmstadt’s protection crumbled and Neuer confronted 4 photographs heading in the right direction together with making a strong save from Marvin Mehlem at 0-0.

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For a goalkeeper whose passing is so central to his recreation, the Darmstadt recreation wasn’t preferrred apply both.

Coach Thomas Tuchel had flagged up earlier than the sport the necessity for the 37-year-old Neuer — who broke his leg snowboarding in December — to get used to taking part in with a new-look staff together with low season signing Kim Min-jae at heart again. However, Bayern needed to adapt its techniques virtually instantly after dropping midfielder Joshua Kimmich to an early pink card.

Taking on Dortmund away on Saturday is among the hardest checks in German soccer — even when Bayern is unbeaten in opposition to its rival since 2019 — however Bayern chief government Jan-Christian Dreesen stated that wouldn’t be an issue for the vastly skilled Neuer.

“I’m sure it doesn’t matter to him that it’s the second game in the league,” Dreesen instructed regional broadcaster BR on Sunday. “I believe that for him it’s a challenge and at the same time, he’ll take on that challenge and will do it as excellently as usual.”

Neuer’s return additionally stabilizes the squad after an low season through which Bayern tried however didn’t signal Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea as cowl earlier than settling in with backup Sven Ulreich and ready for Neuer to recuperate.

Before the check at Dortmund, a German Cup recreation at Saarbruecken on Wednesday may give Neuer extra apply. That’s if the sport takes place in any respect.

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Saarbruecken’s third-division recreation in opposition to Dynamo Dresden was stopped at halftime Sunday due to a waterlogged subject, casting main doubt on whether or not the Bayern recreation can go forward as scheduled. More rain is forecast over the approaching days and a change of venue at such quick discover could be tough.

Neuer’s contract is because of expire on the finish of the season and Dreesen indicated talks aren’t anticipated quickly.

“He’s had one game. I think we should let him play and we’ll get together with him calmly at the right time. We have a lot to thank Manuel for. He’s part of our Bayern DNA,” Dreesen instructed BR.

There’s additionally the query of whether or not Neuer can reclaim the beginning spot within the German nationwide staff forward of internet hosting the European Championship subsequent 12 months. Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen has been the No. 1 goalkeeper in Neuer’s absence. Germany is subsequent in motion Nov. 18 in a pleasant in opposition to Turkey and in opposition to Austria three days later.