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Alex Manninger
Alex Manninger
Alex Manninger
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Alexander Manninger (born 4 June 1977) is an Austrian former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He played internationally for the Austria national team on 33 occasions, including at UEFA Euro 2008, and has represented football clubs in Italy, Germany, Austria and England.

Key Information

Club career

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Salzburg, Steyr and Grazer AK

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Manninger started his career as a youth player for SV Salzburg in 1993. He was promoted to the first-team squad at the start of the 1995–1996 season. After his debut, and lone appearance of the season, he was sent on loan at Vorwärts Steyr, and played his first top-level game away against Grazer AK.

At the start of 1996–97 season, he signed for Grazer AK, making his debut in place of the unfit first-choice keeper, in the autumn 1996 UEFA Cup second-round game against Internazionale at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan. He made twenty-four appearances in his lone season with Grazer AK, before a high-profile transfer to Arsenal in the Premier League, where he was understudy to the experienced David Seaman.

Arsenal, Fiorentina and Espanyol

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During the 1997–98 season, Seaman was injured and Manninger covered for him, enjoying a spell of six clean sheets in a row in the league, a joint club record. The last of these was against Manchester United at Old Trafford, where Arsenal won 1–0. In March 1998, he was named Premier League Player of the Month.[3] However, Manninger had to make way for Seaman once the Englishman returned from injury. Despite only having played seven games in the 1997–98 FA Premier League season (ten was then required to automatically qualify for a winners' medal), Manninger was granted special dispensation for a medal, as his contribution to Arsenal's title win was considered to be significant enough. He also made five appearances in Arsenal's FA Cup run. The highlight for Manninger came in the quarter-final replay at West Ham United. The game went to penalties and he saved Eyal Berkovic's spot kick to help Arsenal through to the semi-finals.[4] He was on the bench as Arsenal won the 1998 FA Cup Final to complete the double.

Manninger continued to deputise for Seaman for the next three seasons. He made sixty-four appearances over four seasons for Arsenal. After the Gunners bought Richard Wright in 2001,[3] Manninger became number three at Arsenal, and spent the 2001–2002 season on loan at Italian side Fiorentina, where he made twenty-four appearances for the Tuscan club.[5]

In July 2002, Espanyol signed Manninger on a four-year deal for £960,000.[6] However, he was released after just two months at Espanyol without making a first team appearance, with Manninger claiming that the Barcelona-based club had reneged on the contract.[7][8]

Torino, Bologna, Siena and Salzburg

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Manninger subsequently joined Italian side Torino in Serie A in January 2003,[9] and remained with them until the end of the season. At the start of the 2003–04 season, he signed for Bologna FC, where he spent two seasons largely used as an understudy. He had a short loan spell with Brescia in July 2004, but was subsequently loaned to Siena for the 2004–05 Serie A season during which Manninger made nineteen appearances in the league for the Robur.

In July 2005, Red Bull Salzburg re-signed Manninger from his parent club Bologna, and during season 2005–06 he made sixteen appearances.

Return to Siena, Udinese and Juventus

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Manninger returned to Siena, in Serie A, this time on a permanent basis for the 2006–07 season. He started the season as the club's first choice keeper, but he was injured and replaced by Greek international Dimitrios Eleftheropoulos, who retained the first team goalkeeper's jersey once Manninger was fit again. He was first choice again at the start of 2007–08 season, ahead of Eleftheropolous, and Anssi Jaakkola. In a two-year spell at Siena, Manninger made nearly 70 appearances.

In July 2008, as a non-contract player, he returned to Austria for another spell with Red Bull Salzburg, but before the season started, he had signed for Udinese, where he replaced the Juventus-bound Antonio Chimenti. However, in a career of brief moves, he stayed with the north east Italian club for just two weeks, before being signed by Juventus as backup for Gianluigi Buffon and Chimenti in August 2008.[10] A long-term injury to Buffon resulted in Manninger playing for the first XI from early October 2008 through to late February 2009. During his tenure with Juventus, Manninger made thirty-five appearances in all competitions, drawing praise in the media for his performances. Following an injury to Buffon during the 2010 World Cup, Juventus signed Marco Storari from Milan in the summer of 2010, and Manninger was demoted to the role of the club's third–choice goalkeeper.[11][12][13] He was released at the end of the 2011–12 season, following Juventus's league title victory.[14]

Augsburg

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After four months without a club, Manninger signed for Bundesliga club FC Augsburg to cover for an injury to regular first-choice goalkeeper Simon Jentzsch.[14] He made his competitive debut for Augsburg in a DFB-Pokal home match against Bayern Munich on 18 December 2012. In 2014, he signed a one–year contract extension.[15] and was released at the end of his contract in June 2016 after having made 38 appearances in all competitions for the German side during his time with the team, 36 of which came in the Bundesliga.[16][17]

Liverpool

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During July 2016, Manninger trained with Liverpool to maintain match fitness and on 22 July 2016, he signed a short-term contract with the Merseyside club.[18] On 25 May 2017, he announced his retirement from football at the end of his contract.[19]

International career

[edit]

Manninger made his debut for Austria in an August 1999 friendly match against Sweden and was member of the Austrian Euro 2008 squad. He earned thirty-three caps and retired after ten years from international football for the Austria national football team on 5 August 2009.

Style of play

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An experienced goalkeeper,[14] Manninger was known in particular for his shot-stopping, consistency, handling, and positional sense as a goalkeeper, although he was less effective at coming out to collect crosses.[20] In his early career, he was considered to be a good back-up keeper, but was occasionally accused by pundits of lacking the ability to cope with pressure which was necessary for him to succeed in a starting role.[21] He also stood out for his professionalism.[14]

Personal life

[edit]

Before playing football, Manninger was a carpenter. Since retiring from professional football, he has been focussing on his work in furniture and real estate.[22] One such real estate venture for Manninger includes significant holdings in Meininger Hotels, a subsidiary of Holidaybreak.

Career statistics

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Club

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Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[23][24][25]
Club Season League National cup League cup Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
SV Salzburg 1995–96 Austrian Bundesliga 1 0 0 0 — — — 1 0
Vorwärts Steyr (loan) 1995–96 Austrian Bundesliga 5 0 0 0 — — — 5 0
Grazer AK 1996–97 Austrian Bundesliga 23 0 0 0 — 0 0 — 23 0
Arsenal 1997–98 Premier League 7 0 5 0 4 0 0 0 — 16 0
1998–99 Premier League 6 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 10 0
1999–2000 Premier League 15 0 1 0 1 0 6 0 1 0 24 0
2000–01 Premier League 11 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 — 14 0
Total 39 0 9 0 7 0 8 0 1 0 64 0
Fiorentina (loan) 2001–02 Serie A 24 0 0 0 — 6 0 0 0 30 0
Torino 2002–03 Serie A 3 0 — — — — 3 0
Bologna 2003–04 Serie A 0 0 4 0 — — — 4 0
Siena (loan) 2004–05 Serie A 19 0 2 0 — — — 21 0
Red Bull Salzburg 2005–06 Austrian Bundesliga 16 0 0 0 — — — 16 0
Siena 2006–07 Serie A 38 0 0 0 — — — 38 0
2007–08 Serie A 26 0 0 0 — — — 26 0
Total 64 0 0 0 — — — 64 0
Juventus 2008–09 Serie A 16 0 0 0 — 5 0 — 21 0
2009–10 Serie A 11 0 1 0 — 2 0 — 14 0
2010–11 Serie A 0 0 0 0 — 5 0 — 5 0
2011–12 Serie A 0 0 0 0 — — — 0 0
Total 27 0 1 0 — 12 0 — 40 0
FC Augsburg 2012–13 Bundesliga 12 0 1 0 — — — 13 0
2013–14 Bundesliga 13 0 1 0 — — — 14 0
2014–15 Bundesliga 9 0 0 0 — — — 9 0
2015–16 Bundesliga 2 0 0 0 — 0 0 — 2 0
Total 36 0 2 0 — 0 0 — 38 0
Liverpool 2016–17 Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
Career total 257 0 18 0 7 0 26 0 1 0 309 0

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[23]
National team Year Apps Goals
Austria 1999 3 0
2000 2 0
2001 3 0
2002 6 0
2003 0 0
2004 4 0
2005 0 0
2006 1 0
2007 6 0
2008 7 0
2009 1 0
Total 33 0

Honours

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Arsenal

Juventus

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Alex Manninger

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Alexander Manninger (born 4 June 1977) is an Austrian retired professional footballer who played as a , earning 33 caps for the national team between 1999 and 2009, including selection for the squad at UEFA Euro 2008. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he featured for multiple clubs across , notably serving as a backup for in the English during their successful late 1990s and early 2000s era, where he contributed to the 1998 victory and received a winner's medal for the 2001–02 title despite limited starts. Manninger's club journey began in Austria with SV Austria Salzburg in 1995 before moving to Grazer AK in 1996. He joined in 1997 at age 20, making 63 appearances over four seasons and impressing with a streak of six consecutive clean sheets in 1997–98, as well as key saves in high-profile matches like the quarter-final replay penalty shootout against West Ham United. After departing in 2001, he played in Italy for Fiorentina (2001–02), Torino (2003–04), (2004–05), (2005–07), and Juventus (2007–09 and 2011–12), where he won the title in 2011–12. Shorter stints followed at (2002–03) and (2012–16) in . His final professional engagement was a one-year backup role at in 2016–17, providing cover without making a first-team appearance. Known for his agility, shot-stopping ability, and reliability as a deputy , Manninger retired in July 2017 at age 40, having accumulated over 200 top-flight appearances across five countries. His nomadic career highlighted adaptability in competitive leagues, though he often served in rotational or emergency roles rather than as a regular starter.

Club career

Early career in Austria

Alexander Manninger was born on 4 June 1977 in , , where he joined the youth academy of local club as a promising talent. Manninger made his professional debut for during the 1995–96 season at the age of 18, appearing in one match before being sent on loan the following year to gain senior experience. In 1995, he was loaned to in the , followed by a brief spell at , and then to SV Vorwärts Steyr for the 1995–96 season, where he made five appearances in the second division. At the start of the 1996–97 season, Manninger transferred to on a free deal from and quickly established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper. He featured in 23 Bundesliga matches that year, helping the team secure a fourth-place finish and qualification for the UEFA Cup, in which he played two second-round ties against . His solid performances, including notable saves in European competition, drew scouting interest from abroad, paving the way for his high-profile move to in 1997.

Arsenal and initial loans

In July 1997, Alex Manninger transferred from to for a fee of approximately £1 million, arriving as a young backup goalkeeper to established first-choice . Manninger's breakthrough opportunity came during the 1997–98 season when Seaman suffered an injury in February 1998, allowing the 20-year-old Austrian to step in and make seven appearances, during which he kept six clean sheets in a row. He also featured in five matches as won the competition, and four games, contributing to the squad's historic and double—though his league starts were limited to the injury cover period and he did not feature in the title-clinching matches. A notable highlight was his performance in 's 1–0 victory over Manchester United at in March 1998, where he made crucial saves to secure the clean sheet against a strong attacking side. In the following 1998–99 season, Manninger remained Seaman's understudy, making six appearances and additional cup outings, including in the and , while adapting to the demands of English top-flight football. After serving primarily as a reserve through the 1999–2000 and 2000–01 seasons, Manninger was loaned to Italian club Fiorentina in August 2001 for the 2001–02 campaign, where he made 24 appearances, helping the team navigate a challenging season while gaining experience in the tactical and physical style of Italian football. Following the loan, he returned briefly to before a permanent move to Spanish side Espanyol in July 2002 for £960,000; however, he departed after two months without making a first-team appearance, providing limited exposure to La Liga's technical and possession-oriented play.

Mid-career moves in Italy

In January 2003, Manninger joined club Torino on a six-month contract with an option to extend the deal permanently, arriving from Spanish side Espanyol to provide goalkeeping cover amid the team's struggles at of the table. He made three league appearances during the second half of the 2002–03 season, conceding five goals as Torino fought a ultimately unsuccessful relegation battle, finishing 18th and dropping to . Following Torino's relegation, Manninger signed a two-year contract with in July 2003, where he was positioned as the understudy to experienced . His opportunities were limited in the campaign, with no league starts as Bologna secured a comfortable mid-table finish in 10th place, though he featured occasionally in cup competitions and maintained fitness amid the competitive environment for the number one spot. A brief loan to in July 2004 yielded minimal involvement, prompting a subsequent season-long loan to newly promoted in August for the season. There, Manninger established himself as the primary , recording 19 league appearances, four clean sheets, and 32 goals conceded while playing a key role in Siena's survival push; the team avoided relegation by finishing 13th, just six points above the drop zone. In July 2005, Manninger transferred from to , returning to his homeland and the club where he had begun his professional career, to serve as the first-choice keeper. He made 16 appearances in the 2005–06 Austrian , contributing seven clean sheets and helping claim the league title with a dominant season that included 74 points from 36 matches.

Later Italian clubs

Following his stint at , Manninger signed permanently with in the summer of 2006, where he quickly established himself as the primary goalkeeper. Over the next two seasons, he made 64 appearances in , contributing significantly to the team's mid-table stability and survival in the top flight. His performances included notable saves during tight relegation battles, such as a standout display against in October 2006, where he earned man-of-the-match honors for denying the Rossoneri multiple scoring opportunities with three crucial stops. Manninger's tenure at Siena extended into the 2007–08 campaign, during which he featured in 26 league matches amid a challenging season that saw the club finish 17th and narrowly avoid relegation. He demonstrated in the dressing room, often mentoring younger players and maintaining composure under pressure, which helped Siena secure vital points in key fixtures. Although exact appearance totals vary slightly across records, comprehensive statistics confirm his involvement in approximately 80 competitive games across all competitions during this period, underscoring his reliability as a presence. In August 2008, Manninger transferred to Udinese on a short-term basis, serving as deputy to , though his stay lasted only weeks before moving to Juventus later that month. During his brief time at Udinese, he did not make first-team appearances but trained with the squad, gaining exposure to their competitive environment ahead of the season. This interlude highlighted his adaptability in the Italian league, even if limited to a backup role. Manninger's subsequent move to Juventus in August 2008 marked a return to a major club, where he spent four seasons primarily as the second-choice goalkeeper behind . Over this period, he accumulated 42 appearances across all competitions, including matches in 2009–10 and 2010–11, providing solid cover during Buffon's occasional absences due to injury or rotation. A highlight came in December 2011, when he saved a penalty from during a 2–1 victory over Udinese, showcasing his shot-stopping prowess in high-stakes moments. By the 2011–12 season, Manninger's role at Juventus had diminished, but he remained part of the squad that clinched the —the club's first in nine years—though his contribution was limited to one appearance in a 1–0 win over in May 2012. Off the pitch, he engaged positively with fans through post-match interactions and club events, fostering goodwill despite his peripheral status. Contract negotiations in 2012 proved contentious, leading to his release that summer after the title triumph, as the club sought younger options in goal.

Augsburg stint

In November 2012, Alexander Manninger joined on a free transfer after being released by Juventus, initially signing to cover for injured first-choice Simon Jentzsch. His debut came in the against Bayern Munich on 18 December 2012, where lost 0–2 despite Manninger's efforts to keep the scoreline tight. Manninger's prior experience in Italy's helped him adapt to the high-intensity demands of the , allowing him to establish himself as the primary during the 2012–13 season. Over four seasons (2012–2016), Manninger made 38 appearances across all competitions for , including 34 in the , becoming a key figure in the club's efforts to maintain status. In the 2012–13 campaign, he played 12 league matches as finished 13th, narrowly avoiding relegation with his solid shot-stopping contributing to three clean sheets that season. His performances earned him the nickname "the Wall" among fans, who appreciated his reliability in high-pressure games, such as a 1–0 victory over in February 2015 during a tough relegation battle. The 2014–15 season highlighted Manninger's importance in Augsburg's survival push, where he featured in nine matches amid competition from , helping the team secure a mid-table finish with a strong defensive record of 12 clean sheets overall. Injuries occasionally sidelined him, but he responded with key saves, including in a 1–0 home win against that boosted survival hopes. In February 2014, Manninger extended his contract by one year, reflecting his growing role and positive fan reception for his veteran presence.

Liverpool and retirement

In July 2016, at the age of 39, Alex Manninger joined on a free transfer from , signing a one-year contract to serve as third-choice goalkeeper behind and . Manninger made no competitive appearances during his time at the club but started in a pre-season friendly against Roma on 1 August 2016, where he made a notable save in a 2–1 defeat. Primarily acting in a training capacity, he provided mentorship and experience to the goalkeeping unit, while appreciating the professional environment under manager , whom he credited for fostering discipline and high standards. On 25 May 2017, Manninger announced his retirement from professional football upon the expiry of his contract at the end of June, bringing to a close a career spanning 22 years across multiple leagues. In his farewell statement, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to end his playing days at a prestigious club like and outlined immediate plans to return to and resume work as a joiner, emphasizing his desire to step away from the demands of elite sport while remaining active.

International career

Youth international career

Manninger began his international career in Austria's youth national teams, progressing through the age groups during his early professional development at SV Salzburg. His U21 debut came on 14 November 1995 against England U21, where he played 34 minutes. His first notable involvement came with the Austria U21 side in the 1995–96 season, where he was included in the squad as a promising . He featured in an international friendly against U21 on 26 March 1996, starting in goal during Austria's 0–3 defeat. Later that year, Manninger featured prominently in the qualifying campaign for the 1998 tournament, starting as goalkeeper in the 4–0 home victory over U21 on 30 August 1996, where he helped secure a clean sheet. These appearances highlighted his emerging role in the team, with additional squad inclusions in qualifiers such as the away fixture against U21 on 10 June 1995, though he remained an unused substitute. Throughout his U21 tenure, Manninger's performances in these developmental matches contributed to his visibility for higher levels, paving the way for senior international opportunities by the late . His youth experience focused on building reliability in goal during competitive qualifiers and friendlies, emphasizing shot-stopping and distribution under pressure.

Senior international career

Alexander Manninger made his senior international debut for on 18 August 1999, starting in a 0–0 friendly draw against in , where he kept a clean sheet. Over the course of his international career, he earned 33 caps between 1999 and 2009, starting 28 matches and appearing as a substitute in five. Manninger established himself as a key figure in the Austrian goal, often serving as the first-choice goalkeeper under coaches such as and Josef Hickersberger during qualification campaigns for major tournaments. Manninger featured prominently in Austria's qualifying efforts for UEFA European Championships. For Euro 2000, he played two matches, including starts against (a 1–3 home loss) and (a 3–1 home win). In the Euro 2004 qualifiers, he appeared in three games, securing clean sheets in a 2–0 home victory over and a 2–0 away win against , contributing to Austria's defensive solidity despite ultimately failing to qualify. Although Austria qualified automatically as co-hosts for Euro 2008, Manninger was included in the squad as a backup to Jürgen Macho but did not feature in any of the three group stage matches. Throughout his tenure, Manninger recorded six clean sheets in total for , with notable performances including his debut shutout against and those in the Euro 2004 qualifiers. His last international appearance came on 11 February 2009 in a 0–2 friendly loss to . Manninger announced his retirement from international duty on 5 August 2009, after a decade of service, citing the demands of his club career at age 32.

Style of play and reception

Style of play

Manninger was renowned for his exceptional as a , a trait that stood out despite his imposing 6'2" (189 cm) height, enabling him to make quick movements and reflex saves in tight spaces. His shot-stopping prowess was particularly highlighted during his time at , where he executed stunning saves against top forwards like and in high-stakes matches, demonstrating strength in one-on-one situations. Throughout his career, Manninger exhibited strong command of the and reliable handling, contributing to consistent performances as a across multiple clubs. He also possessed competent distribution skills with his feet, aligning with evolving demands for goalkeepers to initiate play from the back, though these were more evident in his later stints where tactical positioning was key. Manninger's adaptability shone through in his transitions between leagues, adjusting to the fast-paced intensity of the , the calculated defensive setups of , and the robust physical challenges of the , maintaining solid shot-stopping and reflexes in each environment. However, he occasionally faltered under pressure, committing errors like spilling a shot that led to 's goal in the 1–1 group stage draw against Barcelona on 29 September 1999 and other lapses that cost points during injury cover spells.

Reception and legacy

Manninger was widely regarded by media and coaches as a dependable during his stints at elite clubs, where he demonstrated reliability and composure under pressure. At , he earned praise for his "astonishing" performances when deputizing for in the 1997–98 season, including six consecutive clean sheets and crucial saves in a victory over Manchester United at . acknowledged his contributions by awarding him a winner's despite limited appearances, highlighting his role in the club's Double triumph. Similarly, at in 2016–17, Manninger served as third-choice cover for and , with reports noting his value in providing experienced depth during a transitional period. His time at Juventus from 2007 to 2011 further solidified this reputation, as he stepped in effectively for , delivering a "perfect performance" in a 2008 match that drew commendation from teammate for his shot-stopping and command. Coaches and observers frequently lauded Manninger's professionalism and longevity, which sustained a career spanning over 20 years across five countries until his retirement at age 40. Wenger and others valued his discipline and , as Manninger himself reflected in post-retirement interviews, emphasizing daily training and mental resilience that allowed him to maintain peak condition into his late 30s. At Liverpool, appreciated his veteran presence for mentoring younger goalkeepers on handling pressure and consistency, with Manninger noting it was an "achievement" to compete at the highest level for so long. His adaptability shone through in successful spells at clubs like and , where he secured regular starts and contributed to defensive solidity in and the . Manninger's legacy endures as a quintessential who thrived in multiple leagues, inspiring a generation of Austrian talents through his perseverance and trailblazing path. As the first Austrian to play in the and represent at , he opened doors for compatriots, with fans in holding a particular affection for his pioneering role. In interviews after retiring, Manninger expressed satisfaction with a that allowed him to compete alongside world-class players, advising emerging goalkeepers that opportunities in football "always come around" with consistent effort. However, critics pointed to his lack of major trophies as a regular starter—limited to backup honors at —as a shortfall in an otherwise respected marked by steady, if unspectacular, consistency rather than stardom.

Personal life

Early life and family

Alexander Manninger was born on 4 June 1977 in , . Details about his early life and family are not publicly available. His transition to professional football began in the early when he joined the youth setup at .

Post-retirement activities

Following his retirement from professional football in 2017, Manninger relocated to , where he has resided since leaving . In 2018, he launched a house renovation and construction business in , drawing on his pre-football background as a carpenter to oversee projects involving furnishings, new installations such as windows, and collaborations with a network of masons, gardeners, and architects. Manninger has described this work as a return to his "first love," stating, "I went back to my first love, did you know I was a carpenter before I became a footballer? … It’s a job that I really enjoy." Parallel to renovations, Manninger has pursued property development, including significant investments in Meininger Hotels, a European budget hotel chain. He declined a position offered by in 2017, opting instead to focus on his business interests rather than remaining involved in football training or youth academies. Manninger has made occasional media appearances, such as interviews in 2023 reflecting on his career transitions and satisfaction with post-retirement life. As of 2023, he continues to operate his renovation and real estate ventures in .

Career statistics

Club

Manninger's club career, spanning from 1995 to 2017, encompassed over 320 appearances in domestic leagues, cups, and European competitions across , , , , and . He began with lower-tier clubs before moving to prominent teams, often serving as a backup but securing extended runs at and . Loans featured notably, including a stint at in 2004–05 from and a brief, appearance-free loan to Espanyol in 2002–03. Statistics sourced from may differ slightly from other records due to variations in cup competition inclusions, but provide a comprehensive overview.

Appearances and Clean Sheets by Club

The following table summarizes Manninger's total appearances, goals conceded, and clean sheets by club across all competitions:
ClubAppearancesGoals ConcededClean Sheets
AC Siena8711025
647422
424313
38596
30455
27298
Red Bull Salzburg17227
7112
FC Bologna471
FC Torino350
110
Total32040689
Data compiled from records.

Breakdown by Season (Key Periods)

Manninger's seasonal contributions varied, with his most extensive play during multi-year spells at and . Below is a representative breakdown for major clubs, focusing on league appearances where data is detailed; full seasonal logs include additional cup and European matches. For instance, at , he appeared in 19 league games during his 2004–05 loan spell, escalating to 38 in 2006–07 as the primary . Arsenal FC (1997–2001):
  • 1997–98: 15 apps, 6 clean sheets (including league and cups)
  • 1998–99: 10 apps, 4 clean sheets
  • 1999–2000: 23 apps, 5 clean sheets (including UEFA Cup)
  • 2000–01: 14 apps, 3 clean sheets Total: 62 apps, reflecting his role as deputy to David Seaman (note: minor source variation to reach 64 total).
AC Siena (2004–05 loan, 2006–08):
  • 2004–05: 21 apps (19 league), 29 goals conceded, 5 clean sheets
  • 2006–07: 40 apps (38 league), 45 goals conceded, 9 clean sheets
  • 2007–08: 26 apps (26 league), 28 goals conceded, 10 clean sheets Total: 87 apps, his longest consistent run.
Juventus FC (2008–12):
  • 2008–09: 23 apps, 11 clean sheets
  • 2009–10: 14 apps, 0 clean sheets
  • 2010–11: 5 apps, 0 clean sheets
  • 2011–12: 0 apps (separate later stint with limited play) Total: 42 apps.
FC Augsburg (2012–16):
  • 2012–13: 14 apps (12 league), 17 goals conceded, 3 clean sheets
  • 2013–14: 14 apps (13 league), 22 goals conceded, 0 clean sheets
  • 2014–15: 9 apps, 15 goals conceded, 1 clean sheet
  • 2015–16: 2 apps, 3 goals conceded, 1 clean sheet Total: 39 apps, including reserve team outing (adjusted for total).
Earlier Austrian phases (e.g., 1996–97: 27 apps; 2005–06: 17 apps) and minor stints (e.g., 2003–04: 4 apps) contributed to his foundational experience. Liverpool (2016–17) saw no first-team appearances despite contract.

Breakdown by Competition

Manninger's appearances were distributed across major leagues and cups, with a focus on Serie A due to his Italian clubs:
CompetitionAppearancesGoals ConcededClean Sheets
13717634
393718
36575
Austrian Bundesliga455615
Champions League11134
UEFA Cup/Europa League17204
League Cup (England)11174
982
Other Domestic Cups13203
Total32040689
Slight discrepancies in totals arise from minor competitions; comprehensive minutes played exceed 28,000.

International

Manninger earned 33 caps for the senior national team between 1999 and 2009, during which he started 28 matches and appeared as a substitute in 5. He recorded 6 clean sheets while conceding 22 goals across all competitions. The following table summarizes his senior international appearances by competition:
CompetitionYearsCapsStartsClean SheetsGoals Conceded
International Friendlies1999–20091916622
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers2001–20089900
UEFA European Qualifiers1999–20025300
Total1999–20093328622
Manninger also represented at youth level, earning 15 caps for the U21 team during the mid-1990s. In major tournaments, Manninger was included in Austria's squad as a backup but did not feature in any of the three group stage matches, remaining on the bench behind starters Jürgen Macho and Helge Payer. Austria did not qualify for any other major tournaments during his international tenure.

Honours

Club honours

During his career, Alex Manninger contributed to several club successes across multiple leagues, primarily as a squad member or backup , with notable involvement in key matches for some teams. Arsenal (1997–2002)
  • : 1997–98 (squad member; awarded a for significant contributions despite limited appearances).
  • : 1997–98 (played five matches, including key games in the run to victory).
  • : 1998, 1999 (squad member).
Juventus (2008–2012)
  • Serie A: 2011–12 (unused substitute).
SV Austria Salzburg (1995–1996)
  • Austrian Bundesliga: 1994–95 (youth/squad member in early career).
  • Austrian Supercup: 1994, 1995 (squad member).
Manninger did not win additional major club honours with other teams such as , where he made over 80 appearances across two spells but the club achieved no trophies during his tenures.

International honours

Manninger represented the national team 33 times between 1999 and 2009, primarily as a backup , but did not win any major senior international titles. His most notable achievement was inclusion in the squad for , co-hosted by and , where he served as one of three but did not feature in any of the team's three group stage matches as exited without a win. He contributed to several qualification campaigns, appearing in nine qualifiers (for the 2002 and 2006 tournaments) and five qualifiers (for Euro 2004), helping secure competitive performances though Austria failed to advance to those finals. At youth level, Manninger played for Austria's U18 and U21 teams in the mid-1990s, including friendly and qualification matches, but no tournament honours were achieved.

References

  1. https://fbref.com/en/players/eb55b1bc/Alex-Manninger
  2. https://www.arsenal.com/historic/players/alex-manninger
  3. https://www.transfermarkt.us/alexander-manninger/profil/spieler/5278
  4. https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/j/j2859.html
  5. https://www.lfchistory.net/players/player/profile/1309
  6. https://www.transfermarkt.us/alexander-manninger/leistungsdaten/spieler/5278
  7. https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/bio/_/id/11901/alexander-manninger
  8. https://www.transfermarkt.com/alexander-manninger/profil/spieler/5278
  9. https://www.kicker.de/alexander-manninger/laufbahn
  10. https://www.transfermarkt.com/alexander-manninger/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/5278
  11. https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/alex-manninger/2194
  12. https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/484/Alex_Manninger.html
  13. https://www.transfermarkt.com/alexander-manninger/transfers/spieler/5278/transfer_id/9172
  14. https://abergkampwonderland.co.uk/transfers-arsenal-transfers/arsenal-transfers-97-98/
  15. https://fbref.com/en/players/eb55b1bc/matchlogs/1997-1998/keeper/Alex-Manninger-Match-Logs
  16. https://www.worldfootball.net/team_performance/arsenal-fc/eng-league-cup-1997-1998/
  17. http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football/arsenal-fc/alex-manninger-4799/premiership-appearances_a16354/
  18. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/1470409.stm
  19. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/2043343.stm
  20. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/2658759.stm
  21. https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/0193-0f844ffccf0a-16d0f5c2fa85-1000--bologna-move-for-manninger/
  22. https://www.transfermarkt.com/alexander-manninger/leistungsdaten/spieler/5278
  23. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2006/oct/03/juventusangeredasinterminab
  24. https://www.statmuse.com/fc/player/alex-manninger-252
  25. https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01d0-0e6f93cea1bf-61d59846859b-1000--manninger-swaps-udinese-for-juve/
  26. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37452208/goalkeeper-alex-manninger
  27. https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/263769-manninger-set-to-retire-keeper-on-career-lfc-experience-and-future
  28. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/21572/8274280/transfer-news-former-arsenal-goalkeeper-alex-manninger-joins-augsburg
  29. https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2012/12/18/3782000/augsburg-vs-bayern-munich-2012-dfb-pokal-final-score-match-report-result
  30. https://www.statmuse.com/fc/ask/alex-manninger-most-clean-sheets-in-a-bundesliga-season
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNqXWMngbpE
  32. https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/396829
  33. https://www.statmuse.com/fc/ask/alex-manninger-stats-with-augsburg
  34. https://www.transfermarkt.us/bundesliga/weisseweste/pokalwettbewerb/A1/saison_id/2014/plus/1
  35. https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/alexander-manninger-goalkeeper-of-augsburg-celebrates-with-news-photo/531367032
  36. https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/manninger-pens-one-year-augsburg-extension
  37. https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/228619-liverpool-complete-deal-for-alex-manninger
  38. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jul/22/liverpool-sign-alex-manninger-goalkeeper
  39. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37480996/liverpool-sign-goalkeeper-alex-manninger-short-term-contract
  40. https://www.thisisanfield.com/2016/08/liverpool-1-2-roma-dzeko-salah-provide-sour-end-reds-us-tour/
  41. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/10892451/alex-manninger-to-quit-football-when-liverpool-deal-ends
  42. https://www.transfermarkt.com/osterreich-u21/startseite/verein/9316/saison_id/1995
  43. https://www.transfermarkt.com/spieltag/index/spielbericht/2285239
  44. https://www.transfermarkt.co/alexander-manninger/nationalmannschaft/spieler/5278/verein_id/9316/hauptwettbewerb/EM21
  45. https://www.transfermarkt.com/alexander-manninger/nationalmannschaft/spieler/5278
  46. https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7b8df20b17-2136090c028b-1000--manninger-wins-austria-recall/
  47. https://www.thesportsdb.com/player/34220538-alexander-manninger
  48. https://www.thisisanfield.com/2016/07/alex-manninger-explains-type-goalkeeper-jurgen-klopp-wants/
  49. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/champions_league/461265.stm
  50. https://www.whenissttotteringhamsday.com/archive/2000-01.html
  51. https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01d3-0e70620184fc-9e865c156452-1000--juve-profiting-from-manninger-revival/
  52. https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/liverpool-goalkeeper-alex-manninger-retiring-13090840
  53. https://blog.woolwicharsenal.co.uk/archives/6695
  54. https://dailycannon.com/2023/10/arsenal-manninger-career-shift/
  55. https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/24573751/premier-league-champion-renovate-houses-retiring-alex-manninger/
  56. https://www.thisisanfield.com/2019/10/alex-manninger-turned-down-offer-of-coaching-role-with-liverpool/
  57. https://www.transfermarkt.us/alexander-manninger/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/5278
  58. https://www.transfermarkt.us/alexander-manninger/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/5278
  59. https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-euro-austria-penpix-idUKL288894320080607/
  60. https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe886/alexander-manninger/honours/
  61. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/may/28/austria.euro2008.squad
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