Oliver Kahn has offered advice to Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. The German keeper is not in his best form, and the legendary Bayern and Germany national team goalkeeper believes that setting an end date for his career might actually help.
After the European Championship, Manuel Neuer made a significant decision to step away from the German national team, stating that he no longer wished to be called up.
This marked a turning point in his illustrious career, as it was the first time the veteran goalkeeper openly acknowledged the need to focus solely on club football. However, his performances since that announcement have not been up to his usual high standards. Instead of being celebrated for his decision to preserve his body and career longevity, Neuer has found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, particularly following a string of disappointing displays, including a heavy 4-1 defeat against Barcelona in the Champions League. This poor form has led to questions about his future and whether it might be time for him to consider retirement.
The criticism has not been limited to fans and pundits; it has come from respected figures in the football world as well. Fabio Capello, a legendary coach known for his no-nonsense approach, publicly advised Neuer to contemplate stepping away from the game. Capello’s words carried weight, as he pointed out that it takes a great deal of self-awareness and courage for a player of Neuer's stature to recognize when it’s time to call it quits. He implied that continuing to play at a lower level than his peak could damage Neuer’s legacy as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.
Oliver Kahn, the former Bayern Munich goalkeeper and executive who knows Neuer’s situation better than most, offered a deeper perspective on the issue. Speaking to Bild, Kahn drew a parallel with his own career and the challenges he faced in his final years as a professional. Kahn emphasized the psychological toll that comes with losing your spot as the first-choice goalkeeper, particularly after holding that position for so long. For someone like Neuer, who has been a cornerstone of both Bayern Munich and the German national team, accepting a reduced role is an emotional challenge that can affect performance on the pitch.
“When you’ve been the undisputed number one for so many years, it’s a huge adjustment when that status begins to wane,” Kahn explained. “I experienced it myself towards the end of my career. It’s not just a physical challenge but a psychological one as well. You start to question your purpose and what you’re still capable of achieving. It’s understandable why Neuer’s form has dipped; he’s in a phase of his career where clarity about his future is essential.”
Kahn believes that setting a clear retirement date could be the best way for Neuer to regain focus and motivation. Reflecting on his own experience, Kahn recalled how he made the decision in 2006 to retire from the national team and communicated his plans clearly to both Bayern Munich and the public. “I told everyone, including myself, ‘Two more years, and that’s it.’ Having that defined endpoint gave me a renewed sense of purpose. Every match became an opportunity to give everything I had, knowing that the end was near. It allowed me to finish on a high note and avoid the humiliation of being booed off the field.”
For Neuer, this approach could provide a much-needed sense of direction. Despite the speculation that he might extend his contract for another year after the current season, Kahn hinted that the ideal moment for Neuer to bow out could come sooner, especially if Bayern Munich achieves success in the Champions League this season. With the final set to take place in Munich, lifting the trophy on home soil would be a fitting farewell for a player who has given so much to the club. “If Bayern wins the Champions League this year, especially in Munich, it would be the perfect moment for Neuer to say goodbye,” Kahn remarked. “It would allow him to end his career on his own terms, as a champion, and with the respect he deserves.”
Kahn’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among those close to the Bayern Munich camp. The goalkeeper position is one of the most demanding roles in football, both physically and mentally. Neuer’s body has been through significant wear and tear over the years, and his recent injuries have clearly affected his mobility and confidence. For a player who relies heavily on quick reflexes and precise positioning, even a slight decline can make a noticeable difference. The psychological burden of not being able to perform at the level he once did only compounds the problem, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break.
Retirement discussions are never easy, especially for a player of Neuer’s caliber, who has achieved almost everything there is to achieve in the sport. He has won multiple Bundesliga titles, the Champions League, and even lifted the World Cup with Germany. His legacy as one of the best goalkeepers in history is already secure, but continuing to play without setting a clear endpoint could risk tarnishing that legacy. By choosing to retire at the right moment, Neuer would be making a decision that honors his past achievements and allows him to leave the game with dignity.
For now, the ball is in Neuer’s court. He must decide whether to push through another season or take Kahn’s advice and set a definitive date for his farewell. With Bayern Munich still competing on multiple fronts and the Champions League final in Munich looming as a potential swan song, the coming months could define not only the end of Neuer’s career but also how he will be remembered by fans and peers alike. As Kahn aptly put it, “No one wants to be remembered for their decline. The greatest players know when to leave the stage, and they do it with grace.”
