It might be America or it might be Africa, but all that matters to Manuel Neuer right now is taking time out a long way from home after an energy-sapping season. Before the Bayern number one set off on his well-earned vacation, he met up with FCB.tv at the famous Paulaner Brauhaus am Nockherberg to discuss the 2014/15 campaign, but also personal matters such as how his life has changed since the World Cup. fcbayern.de presents the highlights.
Manuel Neuer on...
...the 2014/15 season: ”Overall we played top class football and dominated the Bundesliga, so we’re very pleased – although obviously we’d have liked to get further in the cup competitions. There’s no shame in losing to Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals, especially as we were missing so many key players. The cup exit to Dortmund was a shame, because we were actually the better team and would have deserved to win it.”
...the first half of the league season with 14 wins and three draws: ”That was the best FC Bayern I’ve seen in my four years here. We only had a few problems away to Schalke and Hamburg immediately after the World Cup. Otherwise we dominated our opponents and showed hardly any weaknesses.”
...the new season: ”I hope all our injured players are fit again and we have an excellent pre-season. After that we’ll go for it again!”
...the hype surrounding him after the World Cup: ”It’s extreme and difficult to get any peace, although I still like to go for a bike ride or get out on my Vespa. I’m never going to give up that kind of thing.”
...his style of play: ”Back in the Under-11s I really wanted to play outfield. When I started, we played on red and black shale pitches, so it wasn’t much fun for the goalkeeper. It’s obviously different nowadays on the superb, cushioned turf. And Pep Guardiola doesn’t view the keeper as a keeper, but as an eleventh outfield player. I really enjoy it!”
...being on ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ in November: ”I was tense and I felt the pressure when I took to the hot seat. You ask yourself: ‘What am I doing here? You’re bound to make a fool of yourself.' In football you have everything under control and it’s what you’ve done your whole life, but in that situation you have no idea what question’s coming up next. It looks easy when you’re at home on the sofa, but when you’re actually sitting there it’s very tough.”
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