Neuer praises opposite number Karius as Bayern lose top spot after 67 matchdays

Manuel Neuer said Loris Karius deserved his “Man of the Match” award for his performance in stopping Bayern’s attack.

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Schalke held FC Bayern to a goalless draw in their first Bundesliga game back at Veltins Arena. Manuel Neuer was booed by some sections of Schalke fans in what could be his last game at the ground of his old club.

"It was nice to be back. I learned everything in my 20 years staying here. My family lives here (Gelsenkirchen). I really enjoyed it," Neuer said in a post-match interview with Sky Sports (as quoted by Bayern-focused X account @iMiaSanMia).

"We had 15 minutes where we didn't have optimal positioning and pace, otherwise I think we dominated the game and all stats speak for us.” the 40-year-old shot-stopper analyzed the game. “We weren't efficient and didn't take our big chances. Loris (Karius) deserved the man of the match as he made 3 really big saves.”

The result meant FC Bayern lost the top spot in the Bundesliga for the first time after 67 matchdays. Vincent Kompany’s side held the record for it with a 5-1 victory over Stuttgart last week before they dropped to fourth place with today’s results.

“We don't really need to look at the table after two games,” Neuer insisted before turning his focus to the next assignments. “We have a Champions League game next week. We want to win that and have a good start. Then we have a tough away game in Elversberg. We're taking it game by game."