Neuer, Muller optimistic about Bayern’s re-construction, Lewandowski doubts

BERLIN, April 23– The mood of Bayern Munich’s so-called big three couldn’t have been more contrary. Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller, and Manuel Neuer apparently enjoyed the unleased celebrations on the pitch in the Munich arena after winning the club’s tenth consecutive national title by securing a 3-1 victory against league rival Borussia Dortmund.

By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, April 23 (Xinhua) — The mood of Bayern Munich’s so-called big three couldn’t have been more contrary.

Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller, and Manuel Neuer apparently enjoyed the unleased celebrations on the pitch in the Munich arena after winning the club’s tenth consecutive national title by securing a 3-1 victory against league rival Borussia Dortmund.

Keeper Neuer had fun escaping several attempts to cover him with beer. Muller delivered an enthusiastic dance in front of the supporters next to Lewandowski.

But as soon as questions touched the future of the three in the club’s shirt, doors to different worlds seemed to open.

The face of Lewandowski quickly turned to a serious expression. The 33-year-old striker is said to consider leaving after this season and possibly accept an offer from the FC Barcelona.

The Pole said he is following comments in the media and appeared mixed up. “That’s far from an easy situation for me. All I know is that talks are said to take place shortly, but until now nothing noticeable happened,” he said.

The striker might have referred to comments of Bayern chairman Oliver Kahn talking about the clubs’ concerns regarding a contract extension. Kahn mentioned financial concerns aside from Lewandowski’s advanced age.

“I have seen all that has been written,” Lewandowski said after having scored his 48th goal in a competitive game this season.

“To sign a contract, it always takes two to want it,” he added disappointment about Bayern’s reluctance. The Pole avoided a clear statement regarding Bayern.

Lewandowski’s agent Pini Zahavi told a German TV station that talks are scheduled for the coming days.

In contrast to the Pole, the German internationals Muller and Neuer sounded much more optimistic.

Bayern icon Muller turned around pointing at the stands full of celebrating fans and said eye-twinkling: “It will be hard to leave an atmosphere like that.”

The striker confirmed he is in promising talks with Bayern about an extension of his 2023 expiring contract. Neuer indicated a solution shortly.

In both cases, media reports speak about an extension of another year including a possible second one depending on conditions.

Reports speak of Lewandowski’s entourage demanding two years next to a salary raise. Reports speak of the striker most likely leaving after this season.

Lothar Matthaeus recommended Bayern “to extend all four cases”, including Serge Gnabry. The striker is said to possibly leave after Bayern rejected his salary demands.

The German record international and TV pundit said: “I can understand Lewandowski’s concerns as I heard of the good offer from Barcelona. I don’t understand why Bayern didn’t already create facts and is offering what is needed.”

Rumors speak of Bayern eyeing 22-year-old Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez from Benfica as a possible replacement.

The club is said to be in advanced talks with the Ajax players Ryan Gravenberch and Noussair to complete their midfield and defense. Enditem