FC Bayern separates from goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic

Enlarge image

Manuel Neuer and Coach Tapalovic (photo from 2018)

Photo:

Matthias Balk / dpa

FC Bayern Munich has parted ways with its goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic.

The 42-year-old has been the coach responsible for the goalkeepers at the Bundesliga leaders since 2011 and is considered a close confidante of national goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Initially, the "Bild" and Sport1 had reported on the personnel, in the meantime FC Bayern has confirmed the exemption with immediate effect.

»In particular, differences about the way we work together have now led to us going our separate ways.

We wish Toni Tapalović all the best for the future,” sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić was quoted as saying in a club statement.

Most recently, goalkeeper Alexander Nübel, on loan from Bayern to AS Monaco, criticized that there had been very little contact with Tapalovic since he had been playing in France.

“During the time I'm in Monaco, there hasn't been much contact.

Before that we had a normal relationship.

I do believe that you could have exchanged views about the situation from time to time," said Nübel in ZDF's "Aktuelles Sportstudio".

Sports director Salihamidžić then announced: "We will talk about it internally."

Neuer and Tapalovic are friends

FC Bayern loaned Nübel to the Monegasque in 2021.

After Neuer's end of the season due to a broken leg, the club tried to get the 26-year-old back early, whose loan contract in France runs until the summer.

According to "Bild", the relationship between Tapalovic and Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann should also be burdened.

Tapalovic is a longtime friend and also Neuer's best man, both having worked together during Neuer's time at FC Schalke.

“Of course, the two are very good friends.

But in the end it's about the goalkeeper coach training the goalkeeper in the best possible way and preparing him for the games," said Nübel.

jan/dpa