The German has fought off competition from Barca’s Marc-Andre the Stegen at global level but won’t need to worry about his team future.
Manuel Neuer has been called”by far the best goalkeeper in the world” by Hansi Flick, suggesting the incoming Alexander Nubel will begin his Bayern Munich career as a deputy.
Bayern are four points clear at the peak of the Bundesliga and on a 15-match unbeaten run in all competitions, with Neuer one of those to have rediscovered their very best form.
The 33-year-old Germany global’s location as Bayern’s No.1 past this year had looked under threat once the club announced 23-year-old Nubel will be joining in July on a free transfer from Schalke.
However, Neuer, who’s so far staved off the threat to his global spot from Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen, has the backing of his team boss Flick.
“Everybody knows what I think of Manuel,” Flick told SportBild. “He is undoubtedly the best goalkeeper in the world, I don’t have any doubts about that.
“Therefore, there’s absolutely no alternative for me. Manuel leads the team, it gives him the essential security.
“We have a very clear hierarchy with the goalkeepers. It’ll be the same next year.”
Nubel’s impending move to Bavaria was declared in January, and Schalke, who Neuer left to join Bayern, declared they were stripping the goalkeeper of the captaincy consequently.
He’s also lost his place in Schalke’s group, as he was dropped for the past two matches against Bayern and Hoffenheim.
Flick, who’s just under contract at Bayern before the end of the season, for now, revealed he wasn’t involved in talks over the signing of Nubel.
“I was not asked,” Flick said. “But, obviously, I knew he could be signed. That was a problem that influenced another season.”
Flick, who had been appointed to steady the ship after Niko Kovac was sacked following a string of poor results, not only oversaw Bayern’s impressive unbeaten run but also led the side to an emphatic 3-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge at the Champions League.
Frank Lampard’s Blues will find an opportunity to avenge the first-leg humbling at the Allianz Arena on March 18 behind closed doors, but the Premier League side are unlikely to fancy their chances against a team in leading form.
