Rummenigge: Pep Guardiola seriously wanted to play Manuel Neuer in midfield

In an interview with Bayern Munich’s official club magazine, chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge revealed that there was a time where he had to talk Pep Guardiola out of starting Manuel Neuer in midfield. Not realizing the untapped meme-potential he had squandered, KHR claimed that the move would be seen as “arrogant”. (via AZ)

I still remember how, after winning the championship, Pep Guardiola seriously had the idea to play him [Neuer] in midfield for a game. Only with great effort was I able to dissuade Pep from this idea, which some people would perhaps have interpreted as arrogance on our part. But I am convinced: Manu would have cut a good figure in midfield, too.

Could you imagine the scenes if Manuel Neuer ever lined up as an outfield player? The day would’ve gone down in infamy, a truly spectacular day in footballing history. The memes — just think of the memes that could have come from such an audacious move. Guardiola would have cemented himself as football’s premier demented individual. Bielsa would’ve choked on a sausage. Almost nothing could have come close.

It’s a shame that none of it ever came to pass. Now that Pep’s at Manchester City, he no longer has the chance to go nuts and put a goalkeeper in midfield. Even if he had a player who could pull it off — which he doesn’t, Ederson doesn’t hold a candle to Neuer — he’s still a million points behind Liverpool in the title race and getting criticized from all corners. The man should’ve taken the chance when he had it.