Julian Nagelsmann has said it is not yet the time to decide whether Manuel Neuer will remain as Bayern Munich captain.
Neuer was out of action for the remainder of the season after breaking his leg in a skiing accident, although he was unable to avoid controversy.
The Germany international criticized the club’s decision to sack goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic in an interview with The Athletic, saying he felt his heart was “ripped out” and called it “the most brutal thing” of his career.
These comments drew widespread criticism, including from Nagelsmann, Bayern director Hasan Salihamidzic and Lothar Matthäus, the latter of whom felt that Neuer should be stripped of the captain’s armband.
However, Nagelsmann believes that now is not the time for such discussions.
“I know this is a very burning question being asked because the interview is out. But that is not the question I want to answer now,” he told Bild.
“I now have to answer the question of who will be the captain on the field for the next five months – will it be Thomas [Muller]Joshua [Kimmich] or another player.
“Manuel’s task is to get in shape and improve his health, this is what we are waiting for. And then we’ll see. In general, my task is to find the right first eleven – and, accordingly, the captain of the next weeks.
23 – Bayern’s Jamal Musiala has been directly involved in 23 goals in his 27 competitive appearances this season (14 goals, 9 assists) – no Bundesliga player has scored more goals (Frankfurt’s Randal Colo Muani also scored 23 goals) ). bombardier. #WOBFTSB pic.twitter.com/pF7AN1zNOh
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) February 5, 2023
A 4-2 win at the Volkswagen Arena in Wolfsburg on Sunday ended defending champions Bayern’s three-game losing streak.
It wasn’t easy for Bayern, who lost to Kimmich on a red card in the second half, but Nagelsmann praised the valuable result after winning the 2023 First League.
“The victory was very important. We scored three goals from the first three chances, which made it easier for us,” he added.
“We were too relaxed after 3-0 and let Wolfsburg get back into the game. Jamala [Musiala] the goal was decisive. We take three points and move forward.”