Sports

FORMER Bayern Munich goalkeeper Sepp Maier has backed Manuel Neuer after his recent criticism of the club’s sporting leadership in connection with the release of goalkeeper coach Toni Tapalovic.

Maier, 78, on Tuesday named the decision to part company with Tapalovic “wrong”.

“Of course I am siding with Manu because I was a goalkeeper myself and as a team captain Neuer had a right to express himself,” he added.

Maier was a long-time Munich and West Germany goalkeeper, winning three European Cups with Bayern Munich and Euro 1972 and the 1974 World Cup with the national team.

In his later years he was also national team goalkeeper coach.

Neuer, who is sidelined for the rest of the season with a leg fracture, had criticised Bayern Munich officials over the release of Tapalovic.

He had worked at the club since his arrival in 2011 and was also his friend and best man at his wedding.

“For me it was a blow when I was already lying on the ground. I felt like my heart was being ripped out, that was the most extreme thing I have experienced in my career,” Neuer said.

Bayern Munich’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Oliver Kahn and sports director Hasan Salihamidzic hit back at Neuer, saying the remarks were inappropriate.

Both of them said Neuer put personal interests over those of the club at an important stage of the season.

But Maier said: “Manu is allowed to speak out. And Brazzo [Salihamidzic] can consider it right or not. Manu is a mature player and a fine and free person.

“I also spoke out in the past if I didn’t like something. I didn’t go public and said it internally but Manu has saved Bayern Munich in so many games and always played at the top level.

“Therefore he is allowed to show his disappointment. That is only human.”(dpa/NAN)

Tags: Bayern Munich Manuel Neuer Sepp Maier Toni Tapalovic