Bayern Munich legend Sepp Maier is confident Manuel Neuer can record over 300 clean sheets after breaking his own record tally.
Neuer broke Maier’s record of 199 clean sheets for Bayern by keeping another blank in the club’s 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League midweek.
What made the German’s feat of 200 clean sheets even more impressive was that he accomplished it in only 394 games compared to the former’s 651. Of course, one can point to the fact the pair are from different eras and so on. But it’s still a remarkable achievement on Neuer’s behalf all the same.
The 34-year-old has overcome his fair share of difficulties recently, including a long-term foot injury, to finish third in the 2019/20 UEFA Player of the Year after playing a decisive role in Bayern’s treble success.
“I am sure that he can even go past 300 clean sheets. He can do that,” Maier told Sport1. “He will still perform outstandingly at the age of 39. I trust him to do that.”
Neuer kept 22 clean sheets in 51 appearances for Bayern in all competitions last season and conceded just 49 goals. However, Maier pointed out the rest of the club’s defense deserves credit as well.
The former goalkeeper added: “Neuer is not the only one to thank for keeping so many clean sheets. The defense has a 50 per cent share in it.
“If they know that they have a good goalkeeper behind them, they automatically play better. If there’s a liability in goal, that’s bad for the defenders. But with Neuer they know he’s world-class, so the ball can go through to him.”
Neuer and Bayern will be in action at home to Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday afternoon (15:30 – CET) in the Bundesliga.
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