🎙️ Manuel Neuer in exclusive interview: The fan culture is impressive | OneFootball

How do you prepare for the Club World Cup when you've never played against some of the opponents? Manuel Neuer answered this question and more in an exclusive interview with OneFootball, discussing the unique aspects of the tournament in the USA.

He also shares his personal impressions of fan culture across the Atlantic.

Many unfamiliar teams play in the Club World Cup. Was there a special preparation for your group opponents because of this?

Manuel Neuer: Yes, definitely. Our analysis team prepares everything very thoroughly. Since we don't know the players of these teams as well, the preparation is a bit different. Against teams like Benfica, it's a different story - we've played against many of these players before. Boca or Auckland, on the other hand, bring players from completely different leagues, so more analysis is needed.

Do the external conditions of the tournament in the USA affect you?

Neuer: The conditions are quite special - because of the climate and also the match times. In Europe, we usually play at 3:30 pm, in the Champions League often at 9 pm. But here we have already played at noon. And of course, we face very different opponents. Our goal is clear: We want to reach the final and will give everything for it.

You've played with FC Bayern in many countries - how do you experience fan culture in the USA?

Neuer: The fan culture in the USA is impressive, and there are many Bayern fans everywhere who support us in the stadium. Traveling to the USA is always a great experience - also during the training sessions. The fans come by and support us during the games. The stadiums are well filled, and you can tell that the fans follow us with great enthusiasm.

Which stadium are you particularly looking forward to?

Neuer: We would, of course, be particularly looking forward to New York. The semi-finals and the final take place there. That's our clear goal: to play in this stadium at this high level, to reach the semi-finals and then the final.

What would it mean to you to win the title?

Neuer: That would be fantastic. For the club, it would be an outstanding title - one of the biggest you can win. It's a global tournament and differs from the Champions League. For us, it would mean a lot.

How much non-European football do you follow in your spare time?

Neuer: I especially like to watch when former teammates are involved, for example, Choupo-Moting in New York or Marco Reus in Los Angeles. I also followed Bastian Schweinsteiger when he played in Chicago. It's something special for me to stay connected and see how their careers are progressing.

Which Club World Cup striker - apart from Messi - do you respect particularly?

Neuer: I respect all strikers. It's hard to single one out. Of course, Messi plays at a special level - we all know that. But in general, I respect every single player, every striker, every offensive player.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

📸 PAUL ELLIS - AFP or licensors