Yann Sommer scored for Bayern for the first time on Friday evening against Leipzig.Image: dpa / Hendrik Schmidt
Bundesliga
The long uncertainty at the record champions is over. After the struggle for a suitable successor for the injured goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, the Bundesliga restart was able to take place with the newly signed Yann Sommer in the starting XI. Coach Julian Nagelsmann resisted criticism from outside to let summer arrive first. According to critics, Bayern’s number two goalkeeper, Sven Ulreich, should have been in place instead.
In the first game for Bayern, Sommer showed a solid performance.Image: dpa / Hendrik Schmidt
But right from the start, Sommer conceded a goal. The Munich team only managed a draw against RB Leipzig on Friday evening (1-1). “Sometimes it was good, sometimes we can do things better,” commented coach Nagelsmann on the result. He said of the newcomer in goal: “Brave. Intercepted three or four crosses and played well with the ball. Didn’t seem like he was making the first game for us.”
Julian Nagelsmann and Yann Sommers on Friday evening.Image: dpa / Hendrik Schmidt
When asked about the game himself, the keeper spoke to DAZN about his own impressions of the Bundesliga restart: “It’s clear that not everything has worked one hundred percent,” he explained. “I don’t know the team yet, they don’t know me yet. The processes haven’t been coordinated yet, especially when it comes to building up the game.”
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Yann Sommer raises the advertising arm – and the network compares him to Neuer
In one thing he probably took Manuel Neuer as a role model. At least when it comes to the numerous comments on the net. The reason is a specific gesture that the Swiss made on his Bayern debut: When the ball landed in the goal through Halstenberg in the 52nd minute, Sommer immediately raised his protesting arm, a typical Neuer gesture. What the Swiss wanted to complain about: His teammate Joshua Kimmich and Leipzig’s André Silva had previously rattled together. Referee Siebert saw no foul.
The streaming service DAZN took the gesture as an opportunity to write a post with a photo of the scene in question. Then the words: “Manuel Neuer likes it”. In the caption, the service asks its followers to name the best complaint arm joke. With this, DAZN apparently cuts its own flesh. The comment with the most likes: “The complaint arm is as high as the DAZN prices.” A reaction to the recently increased subscription fees.
The reclaim arm is a typical Neuer gesture, but other keepers use it regularly as well.Image: AP / Matthias Schrader
But the fans also react promptly to the alleged new gesture. “You can tell me what you want. It’s sewn into the jersey or something,” writes a user who receives a lot of encouragement. Another thinks: “Oh, that’s why everyone says summer can replace Neuer.” Another follower writes: “There wasn’t time for more in one day of training …”
There are signs of competition between Sommer and Neuer
As early as Tuesday, January 24, it will become clear how Sommer will fare in Munich’s goal. Then the record champion receives Cologne. How Bayern continue to perform in the Bundesliga could be important for the future of Sommer, but also for that of the injured Neuer.
A competition is looming. Eventually, Neuer will return once he’s operational. Sommer’s contract runs until 2025. A big vote of confidence.
Manuel Neuer injured himself while skiing and is therefore out.Image: IMAGO/Laci Perenyi
After the game, Sommer explained how he perceives the situation. Accordingly, everything was discussed openly with him. He is now looking forward to the coming months. Sports director Hasan Salihamidzic has already indicated that the Swiss national goalkeeper can certainly have hopes. When asked about the long contract term, which ultimately signals a great deal of trust, the sports director replied: “Good question, answer there.”
There are footballers like Cristiano Ronaldo, Gigi Buffon or Zlatan Ibrahimović who still want to play football after they are 40 years old. And then there are footballers who retire in their early 30s. A few days ago it was Gareth Bale who resigned at the age of 33. A year earlier, Kun Agüero, also aged 33, had given up his football boots – albeit for health reasons.
