The goalkeeper’s recent mistakes set off alarm bells, but he seems to have the full confidence of coach Julian Nagelsmann to be the starter in the Euros.
Manuel Neuer He clings to Germany’s goal despite showing a visible decline that does not convince his fans. Criticized by many after two irregular seasons and with significant injuries behind him, he has the recognition of those in charge in the ‘Mannschaft’, who have confirmed his presence in the opening match of the Euro Cup despite the eternal competition with Marc-André ter Stegen.
The latest blunder Neuerin view of Greece Just a few days ago, in the German team’s last friendly, he set off alarm bells again. A harmless shot escaped his hands and Georgios Masouras He pushed the ball into the German goal net. Luckily for Neuer, his teammates turned the score around and Germany won 2-1.
That mistake by the goalkeeper Bayern Munich reopened the debate on the figure of one of the most important goalkeepers in the history of German football. Neuer, now 38 years old, seems to have lost the ‘angel’ of other times and each of his performances is analyzed with a magnifying glass.
More than a year lost due to injuries Neuer He began his descent into hell in February 2022, when he had to undergo surgery to remove part of the inner meniscus of his left knee. He missed five games Bayern Munich; Then, in November, a shoulder injury kept him out for another seven games. And the worst was yet to come.
In December 2022, he fractured the tibia and fibula of his right leg while skiing. The joke cost him 39 official matches to return to the playing fields ten months later, at the beginning of last season. And even shortly before the Euro Cup, in April, he fell again with a muscle injury in his thigh.
Completely recovered, Neuer, despite suffering so many ups and downs, still rules in Germany. Of course, he is no longer the captain. In his absence, that rank was acquired Gundogan and he has not lost it anymore. But Neuer has a lot of influence and nothing and no one seems to move the German goalkeeper from the goal of the team led by Julian Nagelsmann.
Not even Ter-Stegenthe eternal shadow of Neuer and who has not been served by his fantastic seasons in the Barcelona to find a place in his team’s eleven. At 32 years old, his chances of remaining in charge of the German goal for a long time fade in each championship he competes in. Germany.
Almost unanimous support from teammates, coaching staff and federation For now, Neuer’s irregular state of form is not a problem for Nagelsmann, who does not doubt the Bayern Munich player: “He has my trust. “He made three world-class saves that surely not everyone makes,” he said after Neuer’s mistake against Greece.
Furthermore, he is supported by the majority of his colleagues. Havertzgave voice to part of the locker room: “He is the best goalkeeper I have ever played with, when he is in goal the sensations are different.”
Rudi Völler, sports director of Germanywho stated that he “completely agreed” with the words of Nagelsmann: “He enjoys our most absolute confidence,” he stated.
In short, the confidence that the coaching staff and his teammates have given Neuer will have to be reflected on the field of play. Scotland, this Friday, will be the first litmus test for the German goalkeeper who wants to stop as soon as possible the critics who think he is in the twilight of his career. Just in case, Ter Stegen is waiting for his turn. Of course, sitting on the bench.
