Bayern Munich has reportedly sacked goalkeeping coach, Toni Tapalovic.
Tapalovic was sacked amid reports that the he was leaking information to players.
Tapalovic had worked at Bayern since 2011 and helped turn Neuer into one of the best goalkeepers of the modern game. But the 42-year-old was dramatically sacked on Monday after manager Julian Nagelsmann complained about his behaviour.
Nagelsmann started to grow frustrated with Tapalovic as early as last season after discovering that conversations between staff members were being relayed by the coach to Neuer and then to the rest of the players.
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There have been differences between Tapalovic and the club’s hierarchy ‘for a long time and the club’s statement on his sacking made no attempt to sidestep the problems between the two parties.
“As our goalkeeping coach, Toni was involved in the successes of recent years. We would like to thank him for that,’ Bayern director Hasan Salihamidzic said.
“Differences, particularly over the way we worked together, have now led to us going our separate ways. We wish Toni Tapalovic all the best for the future.”
Neuer penned an emotional message to his close friend after his departure was confirmed this week, hailing him as “an absolute pionner of modern goalkeeping’ and praising his huge role in the club’s success.
Neuer wrote,
“Dear Toni, today is the end of an era at FC Bayern Munich. With you after 11.5 years, not only an absolute pioneer of the modern goalkeeping game, but above all a great person is leaving the club.
“Everyone, not only in Munich, knows that all these achievements would never have been possible without you! Last but not least, you shaped and lifted me and my goalkeeping game to a new level. I will miss you!”
