Representative squad - Lahm defends Gündogan and Neuer against detractors' comments
Football legend Philippe Lahm has no doubts about the capabilities of captain Ilkay Gündogan and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer for the European Championship. He expressed his views on these two recently criticized national players during the opening of the "International Police Cooperation Center" (IPCC) in Neuss on Monday.
"Ilkay Gündogan is an exceptionally seasoned player who has almost won everything possible in club football. He is the team's captain. In my opinion, he is crucial for the national team," said Lahm.
Lahm also doesn't want to be part of the discussion about Neuer, who has faced criticism recently in the Bayern and DFB uniforms. "I think Manuel Neuer is a world-class goalkeeper, both in the past and now. He will be 100% focused and dedicated, and the self-restraint we desire and he has always had is still there," said Lahm, who led the world champions in 2014.
Lahm is certain that the debates about Neuer and his understudy Marc-André ter Stegen had no bearing on their performances in the team. "This is just public talk. Within the team, Manuel Neuer has the full backing of everyone. The debate I see as more of a public one," said Lahm, with national coach Julian Nagelsmann publicly supporting Neuer after the 2:1 victory over Greece, including a Neuer mistake.
