Manuel Neuer insists Niko Kovac's debut Bayern season was a success | OneFootball

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer says a double in Niko Kovac’s first season in charge has to be considered a “great achievement”.

Bayern fought off a stern challenge from Borussia Dortmund to claim their seventh successive Bundesliga title before capping off the season by clinching the DFB-Pokal last weekend.

“It’s such a special thing, because you just have to ask the other top clubs in Germany how much they would’ve liked to achieve at least one title,” Neuer told German outlet Kicker.

“We’re proud of what we did in the second half of the season. It was a really strong performance when you consider how the first half of the season went for us. The whole team and the whole club be believed we could do it.”

Kovac has come in for criticism during his first term in charge at the Allianz Arena and speculation about the Croatian’s possible departure from the club has not yet completely died down.

But Neuer has heaped praise on his manager and insists the team are hoping to be even better next season.

“If you win the double, it’s quite simply a successful season,” added the German goalkeeper.

“It was great after the difficult time; and for Niko Kovac, for whom it was certainly not easy. He’s focused on football and he’s always been on our side, so it was a great achievement for him.

“We’re still living a record – seven league titles in a row – and we want to expand on that next year.”