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          Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer: I am orchestrator of our defence

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          Klinsmann: Neuer should have won Ballon D'Or (0:38)

          USA head coach Jurgen Klinsmann believes countryman Manuel Neuer should have won the 2014 Ballon d'Or, but paid tribute to eventual winner Cristiano Ronaldo. (0:38)

          • Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondentMar 30, 2015, 08:42 AM ET

          Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has said he shares duties with coach Pep Guardiola, explaining: "He orchestrates our attacks, and I our defence."

          Neuer, 29, told FAZ his role under Guardiola was different to that under predecessor Jupp Heynckes, meaning that "we as a team no longer understand it as 10 plus one but as 11 players in the buildup play."

          "Our system changes throughout the season, sometimes even in a match," he explained.

          "When we play with three at the back, I have other tasks, need to make other runs than when we play with a back four including two full-backs. Those are the details I pay careful attention to."

          Neuer said the way Guardiola saw the game meant he is "almost playing himself," adding: "He is vigilant and always tries to help. That's also my job, only in defence.

          "He finds solutions to finish the attack and create chances. He's always on the ball, and I am the one trying to maintain order in transition play and in defence."

          Neuer attracted acclaim for his performances in Germany's 2014 World Cup triumph, when he showcased his skills as a "sweeper keeper," making several runs and interventions outside his area in the match against Algeria.

          He said: "The game itself, and also the game in the goalkeeping position, has changed. I have adjusted, and when an attacker storms towards me now, he is facing somebody very different to the small, young Manu [Neuer]."

          #INSERT type:image caption:Neuer attracted acclaim for his performances in Germany's 2014 World Cup triumph. END#

          Neuer's backup Pepe Reina, who has made just one appearance for Bayern in the Bundesliga, told kicker the club had been open about his limited chances before signing him.

          Last summer, the 32-year-old returned to Liverpool from a loan at Napoli, but explained: "The chances at Liverpool were pretty bad. And instead of being the second or third choice there, I wanted to join a global club like Bayern Munich.

          "My time here is very positive. I am learning a lot from Manuel Neuer, from Pep Guardiola."

          But he hinted at a possible change of scene in the summer, adding: "I have another two years on my contract, but time tell. We will see whether there will be offers from other clubs.

          "Of course I would prefer to play -- but right now my future is with Bayern Munich."