Toni Tapalovic, Manuel Neuer’s best buddy and the goalkeeping coach at Bayern Munich, fired after it was reported that he was passing along confidential information.
Since 2011, Tapalovic had been employed by Bayern, where he was instrumental in helping Neuer become one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in the history of the game. However, manager Julian Nagelsmann lodged a complaint about the 42-year-old player’s conduct on Monday, which resulted in the player being abruptly fired.
Hasan Salihamidzic, the sporting director for Bayern, said in a statement that “Toni was involved in the accomplishments of recent years as our goalkeeping coach.”
“For that, we would like to extend our gratitude to him. Disagreements between us, most notably on the manner in which we collaborated on projects, have ultimately resulted in our going in different directions. Toni Tapalovic has our sincere best wishes for whatever lies ahead.”
It is believed that these “differences” are related to his close friendship with Neuer, for whom he served as the best man at the keeper’s wedding to Nina Weiss in 2017. According to reports, Nagelsmann was incensed when he found out that Tapalovic had been relaying conversations between staff members to Neuer and the rest of the players on the team.
The hostility that exists behind the scenes is not new; according to reports, Nagelsmann has been annoyed by Tapalovic’s behavior ever since the beginning of the previous season. He has now taken action and asserted his control over the team by removing him from the group.
On Instagram, Neuer penned the following message to Toni Kroos: “Dear Toni, today marks the end of an era at FC Bayern Munich.” After 11.5 years, you are not just an incredible pioneer of the contemporary goalkeeping game, but more importantly, a wonderful person, and you will be departing the club.
“Everyone, not only in Munich, is aware of the fact that without you, none of these accomplishments would have ever been possible! Last but not least, you molded me and brought my goalkeeping skills to a new level, which is all because to you. I am going to miss you!
It is interesting to note that none of his teammates from Bayern have responded to the tweet, with David Alaba, a defender for Real Madrid, being the only player to do so by adding an emoji of a heart and a prayer.
In his absence, Janis Blaswich has been playing goalie for the club, but considering that Manuel Neuer’s contract is slated to end in June 2024, the club may soon be on the hunt for a new goalkeeper.
“We all know Manuel, and we know that he will do all it takes to come back into peak shape. Oliver Kahn, the chief executive officer of Bayern, stated recently that Manuel Neuer in peak physical condition is still unquestionably world class. “It is our sincere wish that this period of rehabilitation will not be marred by any problems. But since football is a game played over a very short period of time, we need to focus on the here and now.