Monday 7 April 2014

Neuer: Bundesliga no longer important to Bayern

Neuer: Bundesliga no longer important to Bayern
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has belittled the importance of the Bundesliga with the title win already secured.

The Bavarians suffered their first defeat in 53 league matches when they were beaten 1-0 by Augsburg at the weekend, with their last Bundesliga loss coming in the 2-1 home defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in October 2012.

Pep Guardiola opted to rest a number of players ahead of the Champions League quarter-final second leg with Manchester United and Neuer believes it was vital to avoid further injuries as they look to add to their Bundesliga title this season.

"One does not like to lose, but if so, let it be in the Bundesliga. The Champions League and DFB-Pokal are important to us now, it was just important no-one was injured," he wrote in Kicker.

Bayern conceded the opening goal from a corner at Old Trafford as Nemnaja Vidic steered a header just inside the far post but, despite the manner of the finish, Neuer maintains he will not ask for defenders to stand on the posts at set-pieces in the second leg.

"This is purely a matter of feeling, even if, for example, we went 1-0 down in Manchester after a corner," he continued.

"Players on the post bothers me subconsciously, because if they're standing around the goal, they're in my area. If no-one is there, I feel a greater security."

The Germany international went on to admit that Matthias Sammer's recent praisings over his performances were welcome - but he insists he is not an arrogant player.

"Although I wear the No.1 jersey, I'm not an egomaniac, I'm an absolute team player. The self-presentation, the big show, is not my thing. I'm more interested in our work as a whole," added the 28-year-old.

"For instance, in our Champions League group-stage match, the 3-1 win at Manchester City, we were almost perfect. 

"If Matthias Sammer recently said I was the best goalkeeper there has ever been, I'm glad for such an extraordinary compliment, of course."

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