Approaching Decision Regarding Future in DFB by Manuel Neuer
Two prominent German footballers wrapped up their international duties following the home Euro. Could Manuel Neuer be next? German Football Association (DFB) sporting director Rudi Völler has shed light on when Neuer will reveal his choice. And it's coming up soon.
Völler, the DFB's sporting director, has shared insights into Manuel Neuer's future in the German football team. "Definitely, we'll have a clarity before the next squad call-up – that's next week – about what Manuel plans to do," Völler shared in the Sport1 "Doppelpass". Völler further highlighted that Neuer himself would speak first, adding, "He deserves to have the first say in how things proceed."
Unlike two-time 34-year-olds Toni Kroos and Thomas Müller, who announced their departures from the German side before and shortly after the home Euro last summer, the 38-year-old Neuer is yet to make an official declaration. Kroos called it a day, while Müller still stands with FC Bayern.
Neuer's contract with Bayern Munich extends until June 2025. Post his severe leg injury, he's effectively been the regular keeper once more. Völler again praised Neuer as a "world-class" goalkeeper but also mentioned his current understudy, Marc-André ter Stegen from FC Barcelona.
Völler emphasized that the final decision rests with national coach Julian Nagelsmann, who holds "the power" in this context. Nagelsmann promptly dismissed the idea of a major player shuffle immediately after Euro's end. Nagelsmann will reunite the German national team at Herzogenaurach on September 2, a venue where they had resided and trained during the Euro. The team squad will be announced a week prior, as indicated by the DFB.
Germany, the top team in the Nations League, will kick off against Hungary on September 6, in Düsseldorf – the EM group's opponent. Three days later, there's a top-tier game against the Dutch in Amsterdam. Bosnia-Herzegovina is their other group rival.
After discussing Neuer's future with the German Football Association, Völler mentioned that a decision from the national football team's goalkeeper is imminent, likely before the next squad call-up. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Neuer's stance, two-time World Cup champions Germany continue their preparations for upcoming Nations League matches, with major opponents such as Hungary, the Netherlands, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
