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Hansi Flick was able to overcome the fact that FC Bayern’s record streak in the Champions League had come to an end, which was not enough for the 16th consecutive victory. In general, he was very satisfied with the game at Atlético, the Bayern manager said later, very relaxed and unemotional. It was nice that Thomas Müller saved the tie with his penalty goal to make it 1-1 shortly before the end, so they were unbeaten. But it didn’t really matter.
For long-time group winner FC Bayern, the trip to Madrid was a pointless business trip, so coach Flick left many regular employees in Munich in view of the current stress and experimented with new staff. Therefore, actors such as Jamal Musiala and Bright Arrey-Mbi, Chris Richards and Angelo Stiller were used.
That is why Alexander Nübel was also used.
It was Schalke’s second competitive game since moving in in the summer. It celebrated its premiere in the cup. In the first round match against Düren. And then, as now, Nübel was only allowed to run because Manuel Neuer needed a break.
The announcement of the transfer caused a stir at the beginning of the year and also caused unrest. If Neuer would get an uncomfortable competitor, if Nübel would even contest his usual place, there was even rumor about a number of contractually guaranteed competitive games. And shortly before the start of the season, Nübel was quite energetic when he spoke confidently about his chances of being number one and recalled his time at Schalke, when he suddenly toppled Ralf Fährmann after being a reservist. “I’m trying to do something similar here too.”
The only problem with that: at Bayern, he doesn’t deal with Ralf Fährmann. But with Manuel Neuer. And in Madrid it was very clear what Nübel still lacks against the best goalkeeper in the world.
It was not the fault of the goal that Joao Félix conceded in the 26th minute, it was more due to the confusion of the defense in front of him. Arrey-Mbi and Lucas Hernández were too easy to play, in the end Niklas Süle was one step too late. Furthermore, as in the 3-0 win against Düren, Nübel did not have a single chance to excel. No long-range shot that could go over the crossbar with wonderful flight, no brilliant feats and great saves, because nothing just hit the target.
Six of six wide balls landed on the opponent
Alexander Nübel’s shortcomings were particularly evident in his forward game. After the back passes, he attempted exactly six times with wide balls in the direction of midfield, actions in which precision artist Neuer often strikes his teammate’s toenail from more than 50 meters with precision of one centimeter. Alexander Nübel’s six passes landed six times with the opponent.
The uncertainties were also revealed when running outside, once Nübel dared to defuse a counterattack 25 meters from his goal with his head, the ball flew towards the opponent as well, the action had no consequences.
Of course, all this is also due to the lack of match practice, the lack of coordination, of course Nübel is a very good goalkeeper and of course it is a great dilemma for him, if he is allowed to play, that he always measures himself. against Manuel Neuer. On the other hand, Nübel wanted it too. If you ever hoped you could scratch the Neuer memorial for the foreseeable future, the disappointment should have spread.
The hierarchy has never been clearer than it is now.
Nübel does not complain
What speaks for Nübel is his loyalty. Like Sven Ulreich, who meanwhile moved to Hamburger SV before him, he’s true to his role as number two. Basically positive charisma, good humor at home games on the bench, Bayern bosses don’t have to fear that Nübel will soon complain, cheer up and start to stink.
If Manuel Neuer remains unharmed, Nübel will remain a permanent replacement, of course also on Saturday in the main match against Leipzig. Neuer still has a contract until 2023, if Nübel, now 24, will really wait two and a half years in hopes of inheriting the 37-year-old Neuer? Or if you can borrow it beforehand so you can get back to playing regularly?
On Saturday in the important head game against Leipzig, Nübel will return to the bench. It is very possible that he can get back into the goal next Wednesday. Against Lok Moscow. Moreover, it is about nothing.
