Toni Tapalovic – Manuel Neuer’s close friend and goalkeeping coach – was reportedly sacked by Bayern Munich for leaking staff chats to players.
Bild has, however, reported that Tapalovic was axed following a falling out with Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmman – with it claimed that private discussions between members of the coaching team were being fed back to senior figures in the playing squad.
Tapalovic has been credited with turning Neuer into one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation and one of the best the world has ever seen, with the 42-year-old having been with Bayern for 11 years while also filling the role of best man at Neuer’s wedding in 2017.
Neuer has penned a heartfelt farewell message to Tapalovic – who formed part of the Bayern set-up as they won 10 Bundesliga titles and two Champions League crowns – with the World Cup-winning Germany international posting on social media: “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.
Last but not least, you shaped and lifted me and my goalkeeping game to a new level.
