Jean-Marie Pfaff (68) played 156 Bundesliga games for FC Bayern and was named Belgium’s footballer of the year in 1978, kicker goalkeeper of the year in 1983 and world goalkeeper in 1987. On Friday, the Belgian also spoke about the goalkeeping situation in Munich as part of his book launch.
Currently loaned to Monaco by Bayern: Goalkeeper Alexander Nübel (Manuel Neuer in the back).
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In the “Schuhbecks – Südtiroler Stuben” Jean-Marie Pfaff invited to the presentation of his autobiography “My life – from street footballer to world goalkeeper” on Friday afternoon. In the press talk with Fritz von Thurn und Taxis, he talked emotionally and proudly about his life, about difficult phases and about fulfilled dreams. He then spoke to kicker about values, successes and FC Bayern.
Mr. Pfaff, why did you publish your biography now, at the tender age of 68?
Because I would like to spread the message, my life.
What message?
Always be helpful, respect everyone. I’ve always done that and celebrated my successes that way. Everything I have I earned myself. I didn’t have a carefree childhood and fought my way up. I would also like to convey this to children and young people today, in these very difficult Corona times. Don’t give up, keep going.
If he’s still fit at 45, he can sign another three-year contract.
Speaking of always going on: How much longer can Manuel Neuer play at this level for Bayern?
If he stays healthy, Manuel Neuer will play for a long time. If he’s still fit at 45, he can sign another three-year contract. He plays in a top team, in which he also experiences quieter phases than other goalkeepers, but in the European Cup, at a World Cup – he’s always there. I hope for him that he stays healthy.
What does that mean for Alexander Nübel, who was actually planned as Neuer’s successor?
I said back when he came from Schalke (July 2020, editor’s note) that he wasn’t ready for Bayern. Neuer was and is there, at an absolute top level, but he couldn’t replace him in the foreseeable future. Sitting on the bench, not playing, that’s bad – especially for such a young goalkeeper. That was a stupid decision.
Wrote his autobiography: “My life – from street footballer to world goalkeeper”.
kicker
In your opinion, if Neuer continues like this, does Nübel still have a future at Bayern?
Hard to say. I watched the games at Schalke back then and thought to myself: Boy, you still have so much to learn. Even now. Talent alone is not enough.
What would you advise Nübel?
What I said at the beginning: don’t give up, keep going.
Oliver Kahn, also once a goalkeeper, is now CEO. How do you rate this step?
Everyone wants a nice job after their active career, they got it. I remain a Bayern fan, so he should do it sensibly and seize this opportunity.
