Neuer, Lewandowski: Foundation of Bayern’s Success In Recent Years, Says CEO

Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has said that Polish striker Robert Lewandowski and German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer were the foundation to the club’s success in recent years.

Robert Lewandowski joined from Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer in 2014 while Manuel Neuer was signed for Schalke 04 in 2011.

“We got the world’s best goalkeeper and the world’s best centre-forward – that has been the foundation of our success in the last six, seven years,” Rummenigge told The Athletic, quoted by Bundesliga.

“There’s a nice blend of players in the squad but those were outstanding in the season gone by. Without Manuel in top form we might go 1-0 down in the [UEFA Champions League] final in Lisbon – PSG were very good in the first half.”

Bayern Munich won sextuple last season and are on course for a ninth straight Bundesliga title this season. They face an uphill task in the Champions League after losing the first leg of the quarter final St home, 3-2 to PSG who they beat to win the Champions League last season in Lisbon.

Rummenigge has been Bayern’s CEO since 2002 and will step down at the end of the current season for former Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn.

Cover image via Getty