Hasan Salihamidzic accused Manuel Neuer of putting his own interests above those of Bayern Munich amid the scandal over the sacking of goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic.
Neuer, who was out for the remainder of the season after breaking his leg while skiing in December, criticized the club’s decision to part ways with Tapalović in an interview with The Athletic.
The German international said the departure of his longtime mentor was “a blow”, adding: “It really knocked me off my feet.”
Neuer’s comments drew criticism from Bayern’s hierarchy, with chief executive Oliver Kahn saying they “do not do justice to him as a captain or to the values of FC Bayern”.
Sporting director Salihamidzic echoed these thoughts in an interview with BILD, saying he expected more from the Bayern skipper and stating that Tapalović’s departure does not bother the goalkeeper.
“I understand that Manuel was personally hurt. But I expected a different behavior from him, especially as a captain,” Salihamidzic said.
“Tapalovic’s decision, which was also difficult for us personally, had nothing to do with Manuel in this matter, and we explained it to him.”
When asked if there would be any punishment for Neuer, Salihamidzic said: “If there are any consequences, we will first talk about it with Manuel himself.
“The disappointment he describes about the release of Tapa prevails with us too, because Manuel put his personal interests here above the interests of the club.
“We will do it internally and discuss it reasonably with him. Oliver correctly categorized the important parts of the interview for Bayern. We have to clear up a very important topic with Manuel.”
Hard work ahead #WOBFTSB #pacmas pic.twitter.com/CMSDrSBcY7
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) February 4, 2023