Bayern Munich have sacked Manuel Neuer’s best friend Toni Tapalovic amid reports that the goalkeeping coach was leaking information.
Tapalovic had worked at Bayern since 2011 and helped turn Neuer into one of the best goalkeepers of the modern game. But the 42-year-old was dramatically sacked on Monday after manager Julian Nagelsmann complained about his behaviour.
"As our goalkeeping coach, Toni was involved in the successes of recent years,” Bayern sporting director, Hasan Salihamidzic, said in a statement. “We would like to thank him for that.
“Differences, particularly over the way we worked together, have now led to us going our separate ways. We wish Toni Tapalovic all the best for the future."
Those “differences” are said to relate to his closeness to Neuer, for whom he was best man at the keeper’s wedding to Nina Weiss in 2017. Bild reports that Nagelsmann was furious after discovering that conversations between staff members were being relayed by Tapalovic to Neuer and the rest of the players.
The tension behind the scenes is not new – Nagelsmann has reportedly been irritated by Tapalovic’s behaviour since the start of last season. He has now acted and stamped his authority on the squad by axing him.
Writing on Instagram, Neuer said: “Dear Toni, today is the end of an era at FC Bayern Munich. With you after 11.5 years, not only an absolute pioneer of the modern goalkeeping game, but above all a great person is leaving the club.
“Everyone, not only in Munich, knows that all these achievements would never have been possible without you! Last but not least, you shaped and lifted me and my goalkeeping game to a new level. I will miss you!”
Interestingly, there are no comments from his Bayern team-mates, with Real Madrid defender David Alaba the only player to respond by posting a heart and a prayer emoji.
Tapalovic joined the club after retiring from playing in 2011. He has contributed to a hugely successful spell at Bayern, which has seen the club win 10 Bundesliga titles, two Champions League trophies and five German Cups.
Neuer is currently out injured and is not expected to play again this season after breaking his leg while skiing. The 37-year-old veteran underwent surgery on a fracture in his right leg in December after playing in Germany’s disappointing World Cup campaign.
Janis Blaswich has been playing in his absence and with Neuer’s contract set to expire in June 2024, the club could be looking for a new goalkeeper soon.
“We know Manuel, he will give everything to get back in top form. And a Manuel Neuer in top form is still absolutely world class,” Bayern chief executive Oliver Kahn said recently. “We hope that this rehabilitation period will be without complications. But football is a short-term business, we have to think about the here and now.”
