Robert Lewandowski stresses the importance of captain Manuel Neuer

Bayern captain Manuel Neuer has always been a player the Bayern squad has looked up to. Arguably the world’s best goalkeeper on his day, he has not been having his best season, already conceding 18 goals with half the season left to be played. Polish hitman Robert Lewandowski has always been an admirer of Neuer, and speaking to Bild in a recent interview, he expressed his confidence in the sweeper-keeper.

He will save us many points. He was never bad either. But as a goalkeeper, sometimes you lose the ball under your arm, and sometimes you save it. Recently, he just hasn’t had any luck. That’s completely normal. We need Manuel.

Earlier this season, Neuer had conceded 15 goals in 17 league games — among his all-time lows. During the past few games however, he has responded superbly, registering 4 clean sheets in 4 games. Lewandowski downplayed the earlier errors to his injury, stating:

When you’ve been injured for so long, you just need time to get your rhythm and find your top form.

It feels really good when players come out to show their support and appreciation for their fellow teammates. Neuer has faced harsh criticism throughout the first half of the campaign, many concluding that he isn’t the same Neuer anymore, and that his peak years are behind him. Some have gone so far to argue that Bayern need to get a new keeper in the summer if they have any big title hopes.

But in the last 5 games, Neuer has looked rejuvenated, putting in a string of superb performances. We can only hope the winter break helps him recharge and get some good rest, because we’ll be needing him in his top form if we are to have any hopes of advancing past the likes of Liverpool and Dortmund in the Rückrunde.