Bundesliga
Manuel Neuer: "I'm not in any pain"
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has told bundesliga.com that he is completely pain-free after enduring a number of injury interruptions in recent seasons.
Broken metatarsal bones, finger strains and calf muscle tears have restricted Neuer, 33, to just 55 Bundesliga appearances over the course of the previous three campaigns.
The Germany No.1 did make 38 competitive starts as Bayern completed a Bundesliga and DFB Cup double in 2018/19, however, and is confident his physical struggles are consigned to his medical history.
bundesliga.com caught up with the Bayern captain following the club's recently ended pre-season tour of the USA...
bundesliga.com: Manuel Neuer, how did it go on Bayern's US tour?
Manuel Neuer: It was a lot of fun. The first few days are obviously tough because you have to get used to being in a new time zone, but it’s not too bad once you find your rhythm.
bundesliga.com: Bayern received quite the welcome from US fans…
Neuer: Their enthusiasm was something else. We’re always very happy when football, the Bundesliga and our club are popular. We didn’t want to disappoint and wanted to give the fans something back. So of course we were only too happy to sign autographs and have our photos taken.
bundesliga.com: Experienced players such as Mats Hummels, Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben have left the club. Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard are among the newcomers. What’s the atmosphere in the camp like?
Neuer: We’ve got a lot of players who are established and know each other well, but also some guys who will have bigger roles to play because of the departures. They have to prove they can take on leadership roles. We’ve also got to integrate the new players. That’s why it’s so important to have them on board for a trip like this one. It’s the only way they can get to know the club and the team spirit we already have.
bundesliga.com: You’ve had a number of injuries in recent years. How are you feeling right now?
Neuer: I feel really good right now, I’m not in any pain and can take part in everything we're doing. I’m really looking forward to the new season.
Watch: Sit back and savour the super-human reflexes of Manuel Neuer
bundesliga.com: You’re at the vanguard of modern goalkeeping. What’s your take on the younger goalkeepers within the team?
Neuer: The young keepers have the modern style in their blood, but everyone still plays very differently. No one is the same in terms of height, stature or athleticism. Ultimately, it’s a goalkeeper’s personality that is decisive.