Neuer calls for caution: Real knows how to overturn these results

Bayern Munich will host Real Madrid tomorrow (Wednesday, April 15) at the Allianz Arena.

This match will be played as part of the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. Bavarians won the first match, which was played at the Bernabeu, with a score of 2-1.

Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer spoke at a press conference about last week’s match, tomorrow’s match and the clash with Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe.

Manuel Neuer was asked about the current situation of Real Madrid, who with an elimination tomorrow, will be left without any trophies for the second season in a row.

“We know what it feels like to go a season without winning a trophy. It’s difficult and heavy, especially for a club like Real Madrid. We’ve experienced it ourselves. When your back is against the wall, you can do extraordinary things – but I don’t want to put myself too much in Real’s shoes, I want to focus on us. We’re in good shape, things are going well, we’re in all competitions and we have our own destiny in our hands. This is a situation where we are in control,” he said initially.

Neuer says he has not yet made any decision about when he will retire.

“The sooner the better, I would like to make a decision. But I will not link it to trophies. Ideally I would like to win them all. I have not decided personally yet, but it will not be long. Then there will be talks with the club,” he said further in the conference.

In 2024, Real eliminated Bayern in the Champions League semi-finals, after a brace from Joselu Matos in the second leg at the Bernabeu. Neuer says he has ‘forgotten’ that match now.

“The current team is different; it’s not about that match anymore. We know that everything is open, that anything can happen. But we will try to give our best at home and go further – that’s our objective,” he said.

Neuer was also asked if he sees himself as the best goalkeeper in the history of football – he also mentions Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

“That’s hard to say, it depends on the era we’re talking about. There are many great goalkeepers. In the last decades there have been at least ten. Each one has their own style. It’s a shame that Thibaut Courtois is missing in a match like this. But in the past there have been Peter Schmeichel, Oliver Kahn, Iker Casillas, Gianluigi Buffon – and there’s Courtois. There have definitely been very, very good goalkeepers. They all have their merits. It’s hard to say who is the best,” the 40-year-old continued.

Will Bayern have the strength to win the Champions League this year? The Bavarians’ goalkeeper answers.

“We know that this season a lot of things are possible, especially with the energy we have. The foundation was laid with the Club World Cup. It was an important start, which we continued with the German Super Cup, then everything started very well and is developing further. It is the second year under Vincent Kompany, we have made progress – it helps when you understand the philosophy, the coach, and the energy is in the team. For me, we are definitely in the competition,” he said.

Furthermore, the team captain was also asked if he was ready for the penalties during tomorrow’s match…

“I don’t think it’s changed much since 2012; you know the opposing players and the way they take penalties. The analysis is done beforehand, you see who takes them and how they take them. But as a goalkeeper you have to develop your own feeling for what’s going on in the other player’s mind. I try to react to that,” he said.

Neuer also spoke about facing Real’s attacking duo, Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe.

“It’s not about names, but about an important Champions League match for us and for the club. We are playing against Real Madrid. I am not focused on individuals. Of course we have analysed them; we have the experience to play our best football as a team. That will be decisive tomorrow. If we function as a team, I am very optimistic that we can reach the semi-finals,” said the German goalkeeper.

Neuer indicated that Real must be careful, even though Bayern has a small lead.

“Our advantage is that we won the first leg. But it’s only one goal; everything can change. Real Madrid are a strong and difficult opponent. But we have a slight advantage. And we have the advantage of our fantastic fans in a match like this tomorrow. We are in a good position, but we should not overestimate it, because we have seen in the past how Real knows how to overturn everything. However, we are confident,” he concluded.