In the discussion about Manuel Neuer's injury-related absence from the season, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge calls for fair and serious dealings with the goalkeeper.

"Everyone should please keep in mind what he has done for Bayern and the national team," said the former CEO of FC Bayern Munich in an interview with the news portal "t-online".

Neuer broke his lower leg on a ski tour after the World Cup and will be absent from the Bundesliga club for the rest of the season.

“He knows himself that it wasn't the best idea to ski down this slope and injure himself.

But you mustn't forget either: He just came back from Qatar frustrated, wanted to clear his head, and then this accident happened," said the 67-year-old Rummenigge.

"Will attack again"

Bayern signed Yann Sommer as a replacement for the national goalkeeper and reportedly paid eight million euros to Borussia Mönchengladbach.

At least until the summer, the Swiss is number 1 in goal for Munich.

No one knows how strong Neuer will come back.

However, Rummenigge does not want to take part in the 36-year-old's farewell.

"He perfected the goalkeeping game and was world goalkeeper five times.

When he recovers, he will come back with a lot of ambition and attack again," said the former world-class striker.

In the current earnings crisis at FC Bayern, only wins count for Rummenigge.

“The decisive criterion is that you now have to restore stability.

It's a very important week for FC Bayern," said Rummenigge after the last three draws for Munich.

First Mainz, then Wolfsburg

Bayern play in the DFB-Pokal at Mainz 05 on Wednesday evening (8.45 p.m., in the FAZ live ticker for the DFB-Pokal and on Sky) and travel to VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday, who “should not be underestimated”.

Nevertheless, the 67-year-old emphasizes that a little more excitement in the Bundesliga title fight would be good.

“Football is fundamentally defined by emotion.

If a club wins the championship ten times in a row, that's not conducive to it," said Rummenigge, who resigned as Bayern chairman in 2021.

In the championship race, Munich would have economic advantages over the toughest competition.

“These clubs have a different philosophy, also due to different economic conditions.

Bayern Munich would never sell a Bellingham or an Nkunku.

We've always had the iron law: A player who is essential for the quality of the team has to stay," said Rummenigge.