Manuel Neuer (right) and goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalović worked together at Bayern Munich for almost twelve years. Image: dpa / Matthias Balk
Bundesliga
For weeks, FC Bayern Munich has been struggling to find a replacement for the injured goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Ultimately, the services of the previous Gladbach number one Yann Sommer could be secured on Säbener Straße.
Not even a week after Sommer’s commitment, the German record champions now have a problem in the goalkeeper position again. The Munich team surprisingly kicked out their long-time goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalović on Monday evening. Quite a few suspect that it is a pointer to Manuel Neuer’s future.
Manuel Neuer with an emotional Instagram post
In an Instagram post, the German national goalkeeper thanked the goalkeeping coach for the long and successful collaboration. He described Tapalović as an absolute “Pioneer of modern goalkeeping” and gives him credit for both the club’s success and his personal development. He is also a “great person”, writes Neuer and he will miss him.
Tapalović had been the goalkeeper coach for the German record champions since 2011, and he was even promoted to assistant under Hansi Flick. In addition to eight German championships, he has also won five cups and won the Champions League twice.
The 42-year-old himself also said goodbye to fans and colleagues via social media. “Great coaches, great players and above all great people” he was able to get to know during his time. However, he himself describes his end at Bayern as “surprising”.
Bayern players say thank you to Tapalović
Under the post, some of the goalkeeping coach’s companions also commented on their appreciation. “It was also an absolute success story in the last decade because of you”, ennobled Thomas Müller, for example. Former Bayern stars like David Alaba and Xherdan Shaqiri also expressed their gratitude to “Tapa”.
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Tapalović’s Instagram post shows him with Manuel Neuer, Sven Ulreich and Thomas Müller, among others, but also with the former coaches under whom the 42-year-old worked: Jupp Heynckes, Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, Niko Kovac and Hansi Flick . However, one looks in vain for a face. Namely that of the current trainer Julian Nagelsmann.
Speculations about grounds for dismissal
Meanwhile, there is all sorts of speculation about the background to the surprising dismissal. FC Bayern sports director Hasan Salihamidžić spoke of it “Differences about the way of working together”which led to the termination of the contract.
Nagelsmann himself was both cryptic and diplomatic at yesterday’s press conference. “There are always things that can be done better”, said the 35-year-old meaningfully. “In general, it is important to have an intact relationship with everyone in your coaching team. Professional cooperation is always in the interest of the matter. You can always improve in all areas in such a large coaching team.”
Alexander Nübel, who is currently on loan to Monaco, had previously complained about the unsatisfactory communication with Tapalović.
Some interpret the dismissal of the close confidant of Neuer as pointing the way for the future filling of the goalkeeper position. When the DFB goalkeeper has recovered, Yann Sommer will probably not go into the second row without a fight.
In the second half of the season, Hertha BSC expects the same thing as in previous years: the fight to stay up. However, while this has meant a reality check in the last two seasons – and the Berliners have had to blame themselves for starting the season with exaggerated expectations – the club is prepared this time.
