Manuel Neuer says Thomas Tuchel would have “worked well” at Bayern Munich next season but denies fighting to keep him

Thomas Müler consoles a frustrated Manuel Neuer following 4-2 loss against Hoffenheim at The PreZero Arena in Sinsheim.

Bayern Munich’s 4-2 loss to Hoffenheim at the PreZero Arena in Sinsheim was closely followed by reports suggesting Thomas Müller was one of a group of players who spoke out to the Bayern board about keeping outgoing coach Thomas Tuchel.

Müller has since denied such reports, however, and Manuel Neuer’s name has now been brought up for the same reason.

Speaking to Bild (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), the 11-time Bundesliga champion followed suit with der Raumdeuter, denying any claims that he and Müller lobbied against the board in favour of keeping Tuchel.

“No, you can’t say that. The reports were completely wrong. Thomas and I did not go to the coach. I’m very satisfied with the way he worked with us. I also thought he could have continued. But it’s not up to us to say anything for Thomas Tuchel and his coaching staff. I can only say that they put everything into it and made the right preparations for the games,” Neuer said on whether it’s true he and Thomas Müller spoke out to keep Tuchel.

Neuer did well to prevent reporters swinging the pendulum in the opposite direction, praising the former Chelsea manager, coaching staff included, for putting “everything into it.”

The former Schalke 04 goalkeeper went on to reminisce on how the team and coaching staff grew closer together following their 3-1 aggregate victory in The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 against Lazio, eventually stating Tuchel staying would have worked well.

“Generally speaking, I believe something has grown together between the team and the coaching staff after the game against Lazio. I think we had positive energy in the team and it would have worked well in the new season. The decision was made together by the club and coaching staff. We players have to show a completely different face next season,” said Neuer.

Whether Thomas Tuchel staying on at Bayern would have “worked well” is up for debate. Regardless, Manu and Bayern Munich will surely be looking forward to coming back stronger next season to reclaim the title of Deutscher Meister.

Looking for more thoughts and analysis on Bayern Munich’s terrible collapse against Hoffenheim in the season’s final match? What about some commentary on Thomas Tuchel’s bizarre starting XI, how the game played out, and why there is a heck of a lot of uncertainty ahead for Bayern Munich? Well, we have you covered with our Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show, which is available on Spotify or below: