Neuer on his playstyle, sporting idols and rewriting goalkeeper’s roles

The veteran German goalkeeper sat down with L’Équipe to discuss his style of play, who inspired him growing up and whether he feels he revolutionized the goalkeeper position.

In a recent interview with L’Équipe, Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer discussed his playing style and other goalkeepers as well as other sports stars that inspired his career to date.

“Risk is part of the sport. But depending on the score, the stage of the game, or the situation, you take more or less of it. And even when you make a mistake, the game isn’t always over. I try to put it out of my mind as quickly as possible.

“It’s not easy, but it’s essential to keep going. In principle, you always have to start from scratch, without dwelling on previous good plays and without letting yourself be crushed by mistakes. Mentally, you have to approach the next ball as if it were the first.

“There are many. Internationally, there was Edwin van der Sar and Peter Schmeichel. Their footwork inspired me. In Germany, I can mention Jens Lehmann and Oliver Kahn. Each had their own qualities.

“I also watched a lot of Ajax football videos when I was a kid. I also played a lot of tennis. I admired Boris Becker, Michael Stich, and Steffi Graf. I had their posters in my room, and one of Michael Schumacher,” he added. 

The 39-year-old was asked about Thierry Henry who felt the Bayern shot-stopper reinvented the position – a comment which humbly spoken Neuer clearly felt touched by to say the least. 

“Honestly, I don’t think about it that much. I’m still playing, I’m focused on the present and on what I can bring to my team. I don’t do things to then claim that I’ve revolutionized the game or initiated a more modern style of football for goalkeepers.

“I don’t go onto the pitch to put on a show, but to find what’s most effective for us, to produce the best possible football. Of course, it’s an honor when football legends like Thierry Henry say that,” he said with a smile.