Bayern's Neuer bracing himself for Schalke return

September 16, 2011 | 08:56

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Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is bracing himself for a hostile reception on Sunday when he returns to Gelsenkirchen to play Schalke for the first time since leaving the Royal Blues.

Neuer captained Schalke to their German Cup victory last season when the Bundesliga side also reached the Champions League's semi-final before losing to Manchester United.

He joined Bayern during the summer and despite having played at Gelsenkirchen's Veltins Arena when Germany beat Austria 6-2 in a Euro 2012 qualifier on September 2, Neuer expects a frosty response when he appears in a Bayern shirt.

"I am looking forward to going back to Schalke and to see many colleagues and reunite with some old friends, it will be an interesting game for me," Neuer said.

"With the national team I had a warm reception but the typical Schalke fan is not a fan of the national side and I don't expect the same response.

"However, I do think a few fans will applaud me when I come out on the pitch.

"Some people will understand my decision, it is my job and I left to earn money."

Having last conceded a goal for Bayern in the shock 1-0 Bundesliga defeat to Moenchengladbach on August 7, Neuer has now gone 658 minutes, nearly 11 hours, without being beaten as Munich have won all of their last seven games.

"The clean sheet run will end eventually, but we are trying to delay it as long as possible," said Neuer.

AFP

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