Yann Sommer confirms the bosses of FC Bayern with his performance against Paris St. Germain that he brought him in as a goalkeeper after Manuel Neuer's absence. The Swiss made a "great parade" against Kylian Mbappé. However, if he continues to do his job so well, then there is a problem.
A single parade will not decide Manuel Neuer's future at Bayern. But how Yann Sommer, the provisional interim solution in the goal of the record champions, prevented the possible equalization of Paris St. Germain in the first of two duels in the round of 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday evening, that was outstanding. Substitute superstar Kylian Mbappé, who was still ailing, broke through on the left side and ran towards Sommer from a more acute angle, who raised his arm one-on-one and parried spectacularly – with his arm and head. It was probably his most important act in the Bayern goal so far.
When this ends and how, that should be one of the most exciting questions in Munich in the coming months. The Swiss has signed with the record champions until 2025. In the second half of the season he is undisputed number one. He should secure the successes of FC Bayern. In the league, but even more so in the Champions League. This is the main reason why those responsible at Säbener Straße did not rely on Sven Ulreich, whom they had praised at every opportunity as a high-quality and reliable replacement for Manuel Neuer.
As clear as the situation in goal is in the first half of 2023, it is unclear what will happen to summer from summer onwards. Munich's eternal number one, Neuer, had recently shown loudly via the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" and "The Athletic" that he was still there and shouldn't be written off. The (unarranged) way in which he did that not only snubbed the club but above all hurt it and did not improve his standing at the club. From being untouchable it has (for the time being) become a burden. The way back after his serious injury is not only long, but also surprisingly full of obstacles. Especially since Toni Tapalovic, his best friend and goalkeeping coach, is no longer in office after a quarrel with head coach Julian Nagelsmann (the reason for Neuer's interview billing with FC Bayern).
Under the guidance of the new man, Michaelrechner, an old acquaintance of Nagelsmann from their Hoffenheim days, the competition is likely to be re-launched. And be completely open. After his fatal skiing accident and his settlement with the club bosses, Neuer is in debt and is likely to be the challenger for the first time in his long time at FC Bayern, since 2011, since moving from FC Schalke 04.
Sommer saves FC Bayern (as of now), Neuer is fighting doggedly (as of now), and with Alexander Nübel (as of now), another goalkeeper will be added from July, who has made it clear that he wants to be number one. At AS Monaco, he has at least provided arguments that support this claim. It is unclear whether he would be able to cope with the greater pressure in Munich. But not the problem for now. This is the hierarchy from summer. Three potential number one keeper, there is not only trouble, but an explosion inevitable. And the past few weeks should have sufficiently covered the need for escalations in Munich.
Would Sommer, who has been one of the best, maybe even the best goalkeepers in the Bundesliga for years, quietly join the ranks if Neuer returns fit and strong? Especially now that he is not only in top form, but has also reached his peak in terms of sport. Or will summer possibly be sold? There were rumors that Manchester United were interested in him. But wouldn't the risk of a transfer be too great because nobody knows how resilient or vulnerable a 37-year-old goalkeeper (new) is? And what about Nubel? He wouldn't want to stay as number three, not even as number two. Can Bayern Munich afford to lose the talent? Especially since Neuer's perspective is short-term at best and Sommer's is medium-term at best.
In Munich they are initially happy to have the Swiss in their ranks. "That's what characterizes a goalkeeper at Bayern Munich, that you don't get so much to do, but when you're needed, you're there," praised club boss Oliver Kahn, looking at the duel with Mbappé. In this "very, very important situation" he "kept it up and kept the team in the game." Captain Joshua Kimmich celebrated a "great parade" that was "totally important". Board member for sport Hasan Salihamidžić praised the unbeaten summer with Bayern for his start in Munich: "From the first game he played as if he had been there for a long time. He plays well. He exudes calmness. You have to pay a compliment to that . He also has confidence in himself."
