„This is madness“: Neuer explains Bayern’s mental victory in Leipzig | OneFootball

FC Bayern’s 5-1 away win at RB Leipzig was not only a sporting triumph, but also yet another demonstration of their exceptional mentality. Despite trailing 1-0 at the break, the Munich side turned the top match around in impressive fashion. Captain Manuel Neuer spoke to Sky after the game and gave a clear insight into the inner workings of this Bayern team

For Neuer, it is no coincidence that FC Bayern have come back from behind several times this season. „We’ve fallen behind several times this season, but we’ve always come back,“ explained the 39-year-old. It was precisely this conviction that was decisive in Leipzig. „And that’s what we swore to ourselves now, even at half-time,“ said the Bayern captain

Neuer was particularly clear when he spoke about the second half. „We definitely played a much better second half,“ he emphasised. The Munich team had not only improved in terms of play, but also physically. A figure that, for Neuer, is emblematic of the team’s character. „We ran six kilometers more in the second half. And that speaks for the fact that the will, the motivation was there to turn the game around and then score the third, fourth, fifth. That’s really amazing.“

Confidence instead of actionism

photo: Getty Images

In the first half, Bayern had problems mainly down the flanks, especially with Tom Bischof. Nevertheless, Vincent Kompany refrained from making any radical personnel changes at the break – a point that Neuer expressly emphasized. „Simply confidence,“ said the goalkeeper, „confidence in the players.“

Neuer showed understanding, particularly with regard to the constellation on the right-hand side. „It’s quite clear that it’s not easy against a team like this when you haven’t played together on the right-hand side. And then there are two young players,“ he explained. The decisive factor was that the team had improved. „They had to get into the game a bit, but we improved, especially in the second half.“

The save as a key moment

Neuer himself also played his part in the victory. In the 72nd minute, he made a strong save against Yan Diomande to prevent a possible follow-up goal – a scene that could have tipped the game. „That was important, of course,“ admitted Neuer, adding that it was precisely in phases like that that maximum concentration was required. „Then clearly the one-on-one situation, where of course it’s not yet decided, the game. That’s part of it.“

The fact that the FCB captain is on hand at crucial moments once again underlines his importance to this team – not only as a goalkeeper, but also as a calming influence.