Neuer wary of Schalke threat
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer warned his side to guard against complacency when they take on Schalke in the Bundesliga on Saturday.
By FOX SPORTS Staff
Schalke have been disappointing in the Bundesliga season; Die Königsblauen finished third in the league last season and were expected to challenge for the title this season but having amassed a mere 29 points from 20 games, Jens Keller's men now lie sixth in the table, a massive 22 points behind league leaders Bayern.
In contrast, Bayern have been firing on all cylinders this season and currently hold a 12 point lead at the top of the table over nearest challengers Borussia Dortmund.
Despite Bayern going into their clash with Schalke as heavy favourites, Neuer believes that his side would be foolish to underestimate Die Königsblauen and urged his team-mates to maintain their concentration throughout the game.
"They generally play well against big-name opponents," Neuer was quoted as saying by the official Bayern website.
"Don't forget that they have managed to win away to Dortmund and Arsenal this season!
"And they'll definitely be looking to trip us up. We have to be totally focused, and we'll need the right attitude and form on the day."
Neuer expressed his joy at seeing Die Roten improve defensively this season, setting a new Bundesliga record of having conceded the least goals [7] after 20 league games, but nonetheless insisted that the fight for the title was far from over.
"We can't allow ourselves any slip-ups, and the three points are a must," Neuer declared.
"I'm in good form and I'm making a contribution to our excellent defensive performance.
"We've not had many games where the keeper has a lot to do, but that doesn't bother me. I'm delighted that the whole team is really satisfied when we let in no goals."
Neuer, who signed for Bayern from Schalke in 2011, also admitted that he still had a soft spot for his former club.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing some familiar faces again," Neuer revealed.
"Naturally, the game has a personal dimensional for me.
"I hear about everything and I'm very well-informed. I remain a friend of the club,"
Bayern have come out on top in each of their three previous meetings with Schalke.