National squad - In contrast to the clamor, Neuer's return is a signal for the European Championship.
Manuel Neuer doesn't have to worry about the recent controversy surrounding the composition of the German national team. When Germany's top goalkeeper returns to the national team on Monday evening to play against Ukraine for the first time since the disappointing World Cup elimination in Qatar, only the countdown to the European Championship should be a concern. Joshua Kimmich, who plays alongside Neuer, has already reacted strongly to the survey results about migration and diversity in the German national team.
"Nonsense" and "racist" were the words Kimmich used to describe the results of a WDR survey that showed that one in five people wanted more white players in the German national team. Kimmich's response was energetic, and Coach Julian Nagelsmann hopes it will be the last word on the topic. Nagelsmann wants to prevent any disruptions to the plan for sports success at all costs.
German DFB President Bernd Neuendorf and the rest of the DFB have made it clear that the focus should be on sports. Germany wants to be a happy, carefree host during the upcoming European Championship. The opening match against Scotland on June 14 in Munich marks the start of this dream. For Neuer and his teammates, the controversial comments about immigration are still a painful reminder.
It has been 550 days since Neuer last played for the DFB. His last appearance came when Germany was eliminated from the World Cup in Qatar. At the time, Neuer had become a central figure in the scandal surrounding the headscarf discussion.
Nagelsmann and DFB Sports Director Rudi Völler will do everything they can to put an end to the debate about the origins of many national players. "It's absurd to ask this question given that we're about to host a home European Championship. It's all about uniting the entire country and accomplishing great things together. We as a team are trying to bring all people in Germany behind us," said Bayern player Kimmich.
Typical of the debate: Now, the 20% who are opposed to diversity are in the spotlight. The 65% who have no issues with migration and origin are largely ignored. "We're surprised by the results, but it also reflects the current social situation in Germany," said WDR sports director Karl Valks. The survey was commissioned after a reporter from the broadcaster was harassed with racist statements while filming for a documentary called "Unity and Right and Diversity."
Neuer doesn't care about the skin color or religion of his teammates. Before his eighth consecutive appearance as the number one goalkeeper since 2010, he had a few challenges to overcome.
Kimmich has great respect for Neuer's comeback from a serious leg injury suffered in a skiing accident just after the World Cup. "It's an incredible achievement what he's accomplished. Not only that he's come back, but also the way he's come back," said Kimmich.
A minor training injury in March and a stomach-intestinal infection held Neuer back. He's ready and excited for the opportunities ahead. "My joy is still great. I'm positive. I'm looking forward to what's coming," said Neuer in Herzogenaurach.
The two test matches against Ukraine and Greece will be crucial for the team. Nagelsmann can continue his radical EM personnel plan with a now well-filled squad. It's certain that there will be at least three changes from the March team. As Nagelsmann described it, their goal is to give the team stability. Neuer will start instead of ter Stegen, while Pascal Groß will replace Toni Kroos and Waldemar Anton may fill in for Antonio Rüdiger. Füllkrug and Schlotterbeck are already considered reserve players.
The Nagelsmann quartet will only arrive after the test match in Bavaria. Then, hopefully, the political issues will be resolved. History has shown that they will eventually be cleared up. It also happened before the European Championship 2016 and the World Cup 2018. Eight years ago, Alexander Gauland caused a stir with his exclusionary statements against Jerome Boateng - and received criticism, ridicule, and attention.
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Two years ago, images of Mesut Özil and current DFB captain Ilkay Gündogan with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan ignited a heated argument concerning the allegiance of those with immigrant roots. This issue escalated to national prominence and may have played a role in Germany's unexpected elimination from the World Cup in Russia.
