Lahm defends Gündogan and Neuer against detractors' comments

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.

Read also:

1. Lahm's defense of Gündogan and Neuer extends beyond the national team, as he also champions their talents in club soccer, particularly in Bavaria.
2. The German soccer team, led by Gündogan and Neuer, aim to defend their title as Soccer World Champions in the upcoming European Championship (EM) in 2024.
3. North Rhine-Westphalia, where Neuss is located, has produced many talented soccer players, including Gündogan and Götze, adding to the rich soccer history of Germany.
4. The IPCC event in Neuss wasn't just an opportunity for Lahm to discuss soccer, but also a platform to stress the importance of international cooperation and climate action, echoing calls from the IPCC.
5. Despite his differences in opinion with some fans, Lahm remains a pillar of support for his fellow national team members, such as Gündogan and former teammate Philipp Lahm, who also hails from Bavaria.
6. As soccer enthusiasts look forward to the 2024 European Championship, they can expect a strong showing from Germany, bolstered by the leadership and experience of star players like Manuel Neuer and Ilkay Gündogan.

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