Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer sent off for first time in 866-game career
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Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer receives a red during the German Cup match against Bayer Leverkusen.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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MUNICH – Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was sent off for the first time in his 866-match career on Dec 3, seeing a straight red for a last-man foul on Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong.
The 38-year-old rushed out of the box 17 minutes into the German Cup last-16 clash, which Leverkusen won 1-0, taking out an advancing Frimpong.
He was given his marching orders, bringing 24-year-old Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz on for just his second Bayern appearance, and was seen apologising to coach Vincent Kompany after leaving the field.
“It was decisive for the game,” Neuer was quoted by Sky Germany as saying.
“It hurts us and I’m sorry. I’ve apologised to the team.
“I was still hoping for an offside in the situation. I can’t change it now. It was a mistake and I have to accept it. Unfortunately, there’s nothing I can do about it.”
The Bayern captain has seen yellow 23 times during his career. All have come at club level, with the 2014 World Cup-winning goalkeeper never cautioned during his 124-game international career for Germany.
Speaking at half-time while acting as a pundit for TV channel ARD, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann called the sending off “indisputable”, adding: “Understanding space has always been Manu’s strength, but here it might have been better to wait.”
The match between the 20-time winners and holders Leverkusen was particularly tense, with referee Harm Osmers handing out three yellow cards in addition to Neuer’s red in the opening 22 minutes.
Peretz, who joined the Bavarian giants in 2023, conceded his first goal in a Bayern shirt when Nathan Tella scored in the 69th minute for the only goal of the game.
Kompany said his team’s energy showed great promise as they still had the better chances in the first half despite being a man down.
Forward Kingsley Coman and midfielders Leon Goretzka and Konrad Laimer all missed opportunities.
“Fact is we lost and we won’t win the German Cup this season,” the Bayern coach said.
“But with experience we know this was also a special performance from us.
“If this feeling remains, we will win many games but this Cup, we cannot win it any more.”
Kompany is in his first season in charge of Bayern and his team top the Bundesliga standings with a four-point advantage over second-placed Eintracht Frankfurt.
Bayern have also improved in the Champions League after a rocky start this season.
“It is bitter for us,” Kompany added.
“We won’t have a good evening.
“But if this energy remains then we will win many more games. This team can grow further.” AFP, REUTERS
