The German says he is proud to be the only goalkeeper on the 23-man shortlist for the 2013 award and revealed how Pep Guardiola wants Bayern Munich to “be the boss on the pitch”
Bayern Munich star Manuel Neuer says he is delighted at being the only goalkeeper nominated for the 2013 Ballon d’Or prize.
Neuer is one of six Bayern players to have made the 23-man shortlist for the latest Fifa award after their historic treble-winning campaign of 2012-13.
And the Germany No.1 was full of praise for former boss Jupp Heynckes for his part in the 27-year-old’s efforts in the past year.
“I’m honoured that I am the only keeper nominated and we all hope that someone in Bavaria wins the award,” he told Audi Star Talk.
“He [Heynckes] has a very good knowledge of human nature, he is a very good coach.”
Bayern have continued their indomitable form under new coach Pep Guardiola in the opening few months of their Bundesliga title defence, and Neuer is impressed with his side’s recent displays.
“We always want to have the ball,” said the former Schalke man. “He wants us to be the boss on the pitch, and we’ve done the job quite well so far.”
Bayern face free-scoring Hoffenheim on Saturday.