Thomas Kraft

Bayern Munich No. 1 Thomas Kraft has refused to sign a new contract with the club that would keep him at the club until the summer of 2013 for two reasons – one he needs a longer contract and the other being that he wants to wait and see whether the club will make a move for Schalke No. 1 Manuel Neuer with whom the Munich giants have been heavily linked.

Kraft is not interested in signing improved terms with the club and wants to wait to see if Bayern make a move for Schalke goalie Manuel Neuer, he has requested Bayern Sporting director to halt the contract talks until the summer.

The BILD reports Kraft to have said “I am not too worried about my contract talks, what is important is I get regular playing time, which I am having at the moment  and I want to keep it this way, I am happy with my current situation, we can wait for the contract talks till May.”

Kraft has indicated earlier that if Bayern Munich sign Germany international Manuel Neuer  than he would seek a transfer in order to get first team football elsewhere, this being a sign of intent and love for the club which shows he wants to do service to the club, a move appreciated by Bayern fans all over the world who want him to stay.

Bayern head coach Louis van Gaal who had always been favoring Kraft as the clubs no. 1 keeper too has changed his stance over the signing of Neuer. In the past it has been because of Van Gaal that Bayern did not sign Neuer in the summer, Van Gaal believed that Kraft would do a better job and save the club money.  It looks as though Kraft has lost his support as well in spite of the stellar performances he has been putting in time and again.

Louis van Gaal warned, Thomas Kraft that this season he might be the first choice keeper,  but next season he must expect strong competition for places or leave.

“I think Manuel Neuer would suit us very well, ever y top club needs at least two top goalkeepers. We need two top players for almost every position. If Kraft finds it difficult to accept, I would recommend he leave the club.” Louis van Gaal told BILD

Manuel Neuer though refused to get flattered by the Dutch tactician’s comments and brushed this off as mind games saying “It’s just a little trick before tonight’s semi-final to distract us from the game.”

A deal that would involve the keepers swapping clubs is also known to be a possibility, with Krafts contract expiring in summer he would be in a position to negotiate. But it is strongly believed that by the start of next season Bayern may be able to keep both the keepers.

Tonight’s Bayern Munich vs Schalke – DFB Pokal semi-final will be the most crucial test for both the keepers as Bayern directors will be keeping a close eye on the game, and would have made their decision by the end of the game.

As I always say, only time will tell.

Tags: Bayern Munich, BILD, DFB Pokal, Football, Goalie, Keepers, Louis van Gaal, Manuel Neuer, Schalke, Thomas Kraft