DUESSELDORF, Germany — After almost a year on the sidelines due to a broken leg, Bayern Munich’s star goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, made a resounding return to the field. However, his comeback game, leading up to the much-anticipated “Klassiker” against Borussia Dortmund, was anything but calm.
Saturday’s match against Darmstadt might have ended in an 8-0 victory for Bayern, punctuated by an astonishing goal from Harry Kane, but the true drama lay elsewhere. The game saw three players receive red cards and Neuer was confronted with four targeted shots, one of which was expertly deflected from Darmstadt’s Marvin Mehlem when the scoreboard still read 0-0.
Neuer’s renowned proficiency in goalkeeping, which integrates a distinct emphasis on passing, didn’t get a suitable test against Darmstadt. Bayern Munich’s coach, Thomas Tuchel, had earlier emphasized the significance of Neuer acclimating to a refreshed squad, particularly with the integration of Kim Min-jae at center back. Yet, plans went awry when Joshua Kimmich exited early due to a red card.
Despite the challenges and the looming clash against Dortmund — a formidable contender even though they haven’t secured a victory against Bayern since 2019 — Bayern’s CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen, remains confident in Neuer’s capabilities. Speaking to regional broadcaster BR, Dreesen remarked, “For Neuer, the game’s stature is irrelevant. He perceives every challenge with zeal and typically surpasses expectations.”
The team’s dynamic experienced a shift during the off-season when Bayern’s pursuit of Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga fell through. As a result, the team relied on backup Sven Ulreich, eagerly awaiting Neuer’s recovery.
Before the Dortmund face-off, Neuer might further hone his skills during a German Cup match against Saarbruecken on Wednesday. However, recent adverse weather conditions — which led to the halting of Saarbruecken’s match against Dynamo Dresden — pose uncertainties regarding the match’s scheduling.
On the contractual front, Neuer’s ongoing agreement with Bayern is set to conclude by this season’s end. Dreesen hinted at no immediate negotiations, stating, “Neuer’s commitment to Bayern is unparalleled. We’ll address his contract at an opportune moment.”
Neuer’s national representation is also under the spotlight. Will he regain his primary spot for Germany before the European Championship next year, especially given Marc-André ter Stegen’s commendable performance in his absence? With Germany’s matches against Turkey and Austria lined up for November, it’s a pivotal query that lingers.