Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer facing huge fine for Toni Tapalovic interview controversy

The Bayern CEO, Oliver Kahn, criticized Neuer for publicly criticizing the decision to fire Tapalovic, after coach Julian Nagelsmann discovered Tapalovic was leaking chats with players.

In an interview with Suddeutsche Zeitung and the Athletic, Neuer said, "Toni was always a team player with us, everyone saw it that way. He wasn't working for me for 11-and-a-half years, but for the entire goalkeeper group, for the coaching staff and for the club. I felt like my heart was being ripped out."

However, Neuer's comments did not sit well with the club, and numerous figures at Bayern were left furious at the captain's behaviour.

CEO Oliver Kahn told the German Press Agency, "What Manuel said in parts of these two interviews in connection with Toni Tapalovic's release does neither do justice to him as captain nor to the values of FC Bayern. In addition, his statements are untimely because we are facing very important games."

Bayern president Herbert Hainer told Marca, "For the club, it is incomprehensible and disappointing that Manuel Neuer did not seek direct communication with us, but instead turned to the press."

Former captain Lothar Matthaus wrote in his column for Sky Sports Germany, "Manuel Neuer is no longer acceptable as Bayern captain!"

And even manager Julian Nagelsmann had his say, claiming, "I wouldn't have given the interview. Oliver Kahn made a very, very good statement."

The issue is now thought to be settled between the club and their captain, but the fine has yet to be dished out.