Bayern set to hand Neuer a '£1.4MILLION fine' after controversial interview

Manuel Neuer is set to receive a huge fine in response to his controversial interview over the sacking of former goalkeeper coach Toni Tapalovic.

The Germany and Bayern Munich stalwart is set for further punishment after being blasted by CEO Oliver Kahn for publicly criticising the decision to fire Tapalovic, after coach Julian Nagelsmann discovered he had been leaking chats with players.

Neuer had told the media that he felt like his 'heart' had been 'ripped out' when Tapalovic was sacked - and his comments did not sit well with the club.

Tapalovic had been Bayern's goalkeeper coach since 2011 and was previously a team-mate of Neuer's at Schalke.

And now the 36-year-old  - who is currently sidelined with a broken leg - is set to be given a stunning fine thought to be worth £1.4million for his actions.

Spanish outlet AS have reported that the issue is now thought to be settled between the record Bundesliga winners and their captain, although the fine is yet to be dished out.

In the wake of Tapalovic's exit from the German titans, Neuer gave an interview to Suddeutsche Zeitung and the Athletic, saying: 'Toni was always a team player with us, everyone saw it that way.

'He wasn't working for me for 11-and-a-half years, but for the entire goalkeeper group, for the coaching staff and for the club. We were always able to separate work and private life.

'I understand that it might sound like I'm not being objective or not believable, but I can really tell the difference.

'For me, that was a blow — when I was already down on the ground [with his injury]. I felt like my heart was being ripped out.

'It was the most brutal thing I've experienced in my career. And I've experienced a lot.'

However, numerous figures at the club were left furious at their iconic skipper's actions, and were quick to underline that his behaviour had not gone unnoticed.

The timing of the interview was also criticised, given the fact that Bayern are struggling for form in a surprisingly tight title race with Union Berlin, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig all close behind.

CEO Kahn told the German Press Agency: 'What Manuel said in parts of these two interviews in connection with Toni Tapalovic's release does neither do justice to him as captain nor to the values of FC Bayern.

'In addition, his statements are untimely because we are facing very important games.'

Bayern President Herbert Hainer told Marca: 'For the club it is incomprehensible and disappointing that Manuel Neuer did not seek direct communication with us, but instead turned to the press.

'I'm more disappointed than angry because I thought that Manuel, who is a great player and who has been here a long time, would discuss those issues with us first.'

Former captain Lothar Matthaus wrote in his column for Sky Sports Germany: 'Manuel Neuer is no longer acceptable as Bayern captain!'

And even Bayern manager Nagelsmann had his say, claiming: 'I wouldn't have given the interview.

'We have important weeks ahead. It doesn't help calm things down.

'Oliver Kahn made a very, very good statement. Some time ago I had a good conversation with Manuel in private, where we discussed many things.'