Fabio Capello called for Manuel Neuer to retire after Bayern Munich’s 4-1 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
Raphinha gave Barcelona an early lead before Harry Kane pulled Bayern level in the 18th minute. Robert Lewandowski restored Barca’s advantage before Raphinha struck again to put the hosts 3-1 ahead by the break. The Brazilian then completed his hat trick in the 56th minute to seal Barca’s win.
Neuer, meanwhile, was nearly punished for hesitating on the ball inside his own six-yard box in the 26th minute before his error allowed Lewandowski to finish into an empty net to put Barca back in front.
The 38-year-old is currently playing his 14th season for Bayern and former England manager Capello believes he should now finish his career.
Speaking on Sky Sport Italy’s Champions League coverage, Capello said of Neuer: ‘When some goalkeepers reach a certain age, they should have the courage to retire.’
Former Bayern Munich captain, Lothar Matthaus, who won the World Cup with Germany in 1990, also criticised Neuer’s recent performances and claims the goalkeeper ‘can’t give the defense any security’.
‘I don’t mean Manuel any harm, but he is not the support for the team at the moment that he was in the past,’ Matthaus told Bild.
‘Manuel Neuer is not Manuel Neuer at the moment. Because he doesn’t save the unstoppable balls, his goalkeeping has changed.
‘He used to anticipate every situation, he had a 360-degree view, and he could initiate attacks with a build-up pass. At the moment he can’t give the defense any security.
‘This is also demonstrated by the rate of just over 40 per cent of balls saved in the Bundesliga. I hope that he will soon find his way back to his old game and confidence.’
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