Discussion about the best goaltender - New EM Election and Oath of Allegiance: Possible Daunting Challenge?
Manuel Neuer had something crucial to share, but before the commencement of the European Championship game, it wasn't about his baffling string of blunders that has also put national coach Julian Nagelsmann in an uncomfortable spot. In an Instagram video, Germany's contentious number one appealed to all fans for their participation in the European elections during the football players' free weekend.
He emphasized "speaking out", "taking part in decision-making", and "making an impact" as crucial democratic accomplishments in the video from the DFL Foundation. What keeps him in place as the top choice at home is the unwavering support of the national coach.
The murmurs about the recurring errors of the 38-year-old in the last EM trial against Greece (2:1) may be loud. The unexpected weaknesses in the most prominent German goalkeeper's career are surprising. Nagelsmann is compelled to stick with Neuer before the opening match on Friday (9 pm/ZDF/MagentaTV) against Scotland. And he does so despite the opposition.
Nagelsmann's indifference to the public chatter was evident. "I genuinely don't care about the coverage in the media. It's been discussed multiple times before," said Nagelsmann. Neuer has appeared in eight significant tournaments since 2010 consecutively.
There's a potential risk for the coach, though. The recurring errors by Neuer suggest it's not a statistical anomaly orchestrated deception. Could it be age? With 38 years, do his movements become more challenging? Nagelsmann made it clear that he would not "tinker with" Neuer's skills.
The protocol doesn't mention the numerous excellent saves in the warm-up at Mönchengladbach. But what if the streak doesn't end? What if Neuer commits an error against Scotland or worse in a knockout game? A valid question, some observers say. A standpoint unacceptable, argue Neuer's colleagues and many fans.
Neuer's advocate in Sport1's double pass is Andreas Rettig. "He's indisputably number one for us all," said the DFB managing director. Neuer's importance extends beyond the pitch's borders. "Many people look up to him, not just because of his size, so he has a say that shouldn't be dismissed," Rettig asserted.
The teammates were in agreement. "I believe he's an incredibly good goalie. I observed him during training again. I'm amazed by how good he is. I've never encountered anything like this in my career," stated goalscorer Pascal Gross. "If Manuel Neuer loses his aura of security, who else could replace him?" asked Maximilian Mittelstädt.
World-class backup is waiting in the wings.
Who else? This is the dilemma in Nagelsmann's justifications. Because the perpetual substitute Marc-André ter Stegen was virtually outbefore the blunders. He didn't shy away from expressing his dissatisfaction with his demotion to second-best.
The goalkeeper discussion in Germany is being noticed abroad, particularly in Spain, where ter Stegen frequently performs at a top level with FC Barcelona. "What's happening with Neuer? Manuel Neuer is untouchable in Germany, but... How far can it go?", asked the newspaper "Mundo deportivo." "Fans think the time has come for Manuel Neuer to retire from international football," predicted the English "Daily Mail."
Nagelsmann's publicly approved decision to make Neuer the EM goalkeeper is now inviolable. Completely irrespective of any sports considerations. The degradation of a Rio World Cup winner would cause a shake-up in the team hierarchy from the start of the tournament, giving Neuer a severe demotion. And the clear Nagelsmann plan of a clear role distribution in the whole team would be ridiculed. "You don't swap your goalkeeper during a tournament," clarified Stefan Effenberg on Sunday at Sport1.
Unperturbed by any self-doubt, Neuer continues to perform at his peak in training. His ambition, which drove him to make an arduous comeback after a serious leg injury, remains. Neuer himself was pragmatic after his mistake in his 119th national appearance. "Overall, I need to clear the ball more effectively, that's clear to me, I recognized it right away," he shared with the ARD. EM uncertainties? Clearly not. "I feel like I've played well in both matches I've been a part of. That's why I'm ready for the group stage," said the 38-year-old.
Read also:
- Despite the criticism, the DFL Foundation shared an Instagram video from Manuel Neuer, urging fans to participate in the European elections during the football players' free weekend.
- The national coach, Julian Nagelsmann, stands by Neuer despite the recurring errors, indicating that he won't "tinker with" Neuer's skills before the opening match against Scotland.
- Andreas Rettig, the DFB managing director, voiced his support for Neuer, emphasizing his undisputed status as number one among fans and teammates.
- In Sport1's double pass, Rettig emphasized Neuer's off-pitch influence, stating that many people look up to him and that his voice should not be ignored.
- Goalkeeper Pascal Gross praised Neuer's skills during training, expressing amazement at his abilities and uncertainty about who could replace him if Neuer's aura of security were to fade.
- Maximilian Mittelstädt also questioned who could replace Neuer if he loses his aura of security, acknowledging the importance of Neuer to the team.
- Ter Stegen, Neuer's potential backup, expressed his dissatisfaction with his demotion to second best, indicating that he may not be content with staying in the wings for long.
- The goalkeeper discussion is being noticed abroad, particularly in Spain, where ter Stegen performs at a top level with FC Barcelona and some foreign observers predict that the time has come for Manuel Neuer to retire from international football.
- Despite the criticism and public debate, Neuer remains undeterred, showing no signs of self-doubt and continuing to perform at his peak in training, citing his ambition as the driving force behind his comeback and his readiness for the group stage of the EM.
