„Unfair and exaggerated“: Effenberg defends Neuer after Arsenal defeat | OneFootball

Stefan Effenberg has put the recent discussion about Manuel Neuer after the 3-1 defeat in London into perspective – and has clear words for the critics.

While the goalkeeper is under fire from the media after his unfortunate performance at Arsenal, the Bayern legend considers the extent of the criticism to be inappropriate and contradictory. „Just weeks ago he was publicly linked with a DFB comeback, and now he’s suddenly too old for Bayern? That doesn’t add up and it’s also unfair to him,“ wrote Effenberg in his column on t-online.

Ruthless, but protective: Effenberg’s analysis of the Arsenal evening is nuanced. Yes, Neuer had „an unfortunate evening“, but a reason to question the captain? For the former Bayern captain, completely inappropriate.

„Quite a tussle“ – Effenberg sees Neuer at a disadvantage at 0:1

Effenberg didn’t want to judge the first goal conceded in particular – the much-discussed corner where Neuer stumbled in the five-metre area – too harshly. He sees a clear physical impact by the Arsenal players in the scene: „Quite a few even wanted to have recognised a foul on Neuer. I definitely saw a scramble there.“ The fact that the referee didn’t whistle was typical of the Champions League: „A tougher approach is the order of the day there.“

At the same time, Effenberg emphasized that Neuer normally resolves such situations cleanly: an indication that the criticism was ultimately based on two snapshots – not on a sustained weakness in form.

Effenberg also came to Neuer’s defence when the third goal was conceded. The keeper had rushed out of his goal to stop an Arsenal counter-attack, but was thwarted by Martinelli. For Effenberg, it is clear that this type of charging out is part of Neuer’s game – and has shaped the Bundesliga for years.

photo: IMAGO

„That’s the risk he’s successfully taken hundreds of times in his career – and for which he’s also been celebrated hundreds of times.“ The problem is a different one – a classic dilemma: „If he comes out, it’s: ‚Why is he leaving his goal?‘ If he stays in, it’s: ‚Why is he standing still?

Neuer had made a decision – and it didn’t work this time, but nothing more.

Clear warning: „Neuer must not be questioned now“

Effenberg makes it clear how absurd he finds the debate after the Arsenal game:„In the end, he hasn’t looked good twice now. But Neuer should definitely not suddenly be questioned now – after many strong games already this season.“