Bayern keeper Neuer: "I'm an ambitious guy"
Manuel Neuer has had to wait over 13 months for this moment. This evening, the international goalkeeper will lead the FC Bayern team in the Munich Arena against Galatasaray Istanbul as captain again for the first time in Europe's premier class.
"I'm delighted to be able to pull on the Champions League jersey again," said the 37-year-old. Neuer played his 131st and so far last game in the most important club competition on October 4, 2022 in a 5-0 home win against Viktoria Pilsen.
The Galatasaray game marks the next step on Neuer's long road back to his former class after his first games in the Bundesliga and the DFB Cup. "I'm glad it worked out so well," said Neuer. His club coach Thomas Tuchel calls the comeback performance so far "sensational". He believes Neuer can "completely regain his old strength". "It's certainly not the limit at the moment. But these are incredible steps. The fact that it's working so quickly is quite extraordinary."
DFB return must wait
Only the DFB return will have to wait a few more months. "The fact is that I won't be traveling to the national team," Neuer announced on Tuesday. In consultation with national coach Julian Nagelsmann and DFB goalkeeping coach Andreas Kronenberg, Neuer will still miss the November internationals against Turkey and Austria. "There are also medical reasons for this. It's still too early," explained Neuer.
The 2014 world champion must be careful. Neuer gave a more detailed insight into the overall situation before the Galatasaray game. "It's been a very serious injury. I'm glad that I can play soccer again at all," he admitted.
His body is still reacting to the strain of the game. "But that's completely normal after such a long and serious injury." He had to take care of his "small construction sites". After the games, medical checks and intensive aftercare are necessary. Cycling, for example, is important for the circulation in his right leg, where he broke his tibia and fibula in a skiing accident. "It's an important balance for my body and mind," said Neuer: "I've coped well with it so far. I can continue like this."
Relaxed and ambitious
And the national team? The 117-time international is planning his DFB comeback for 2024. International matches are not scheduled until the end of March. The home European Championships follow in June. He firmly believes that he will be part of the squad for the home tournament. "I'll give it my all," announced Neuer. He is relaxed and ambitious at the same time.
"Everything that comes next for me is a bonus," he said. He will nevertheless take the competition with Marc-André ter Stegen (31) from FC Barcelona for the number 1 spot head-on. "I'm an ambitious guy. I will always compete to play as much as possible, that's clear. No matter which team I play for, I always want to be on the pitch," said Neuer. First Bayern comeback, then DFB return - and finally the home European Championship. Neuer's plan is set. He has played in every World Cup or European Championship as number 1 since 2010.
Source: www.dpa.com
