Manuel Neuer still denies the DFB's secret plan
He plays and plays - and how! Manuel Neuer shows his worth for FC Bayern in the Champions League and also pushes his way back into the DFB squad.
"Billiard" player Manuel Neuer casually threw his jersey souvenir over his shoulder and strolled into the night with a broad grin. The FC Bayern captain not only took the blue shirt of his Copenhagen colleague Kamil Grabara with him, but also a reassuring certainty: in this form, his return to the German goal in time for the home European Championship is a foregone conclusion.
The 0-0 draw in the Champions League group game against the Danish champions will soon be forgotten, but Neuer's performance will reverberate. Above all because of his triple save in the 87th minute, with which he preserved the streak of 39 preliminary round games without defeat. Hand, chest, foot - Neuer played "a bit of billiards", as he said with a grin.
Was it the perfect cover letter for national coach Julian Nagelsmann? Neuer gave a subtle shake of the head and dismissed it. "He knows me, he's seen something like that from me in training and also in matches," said the 37-year-old casually. As far as his possible return to the DFB squad for the start of the European Championship year in March was concerned, he was therefore "very relaxed".
"Plays in his own league"
Neuer denied the tabloid report that his comeback to the national team at the expense of Marc-André ter Stegen had long been decided. "There is no agreement," he said, referring to the "good exchange" with those responsible. What does that mean? "We all assume that I'll be there," he revealed, "if everything goes normally."
The confidence is justified. Coach Thomas Tuchel praised Neuer before the game as the "key" to his team's defensive stability. "Manu stands for himself," said Leon Goretzka, "he's been playing in his own league for almost his entire career." A fit Neuer, he added, "is the best goalkeeper in the world".
TV pundit Michael Ballack went into raptures. "Absolutely world class, unique in terms of reaction time and positioning," he said, almost embarrassing Neuer in the DAZN interview. "Yes, thank you very much," he said of the praise, "I'll do my best." Due to the long break after his complicated leg fracture, "of course not everything can be like before, but I'm training hard".
Neuer wants Müller at his side
Neuer has just extended his contract until 2025, with no end in sight. "I want to go as long as I enjoy it," he said and, after the 2024 European Championship final, which he naturally wants to experience as number 1, set his sights on the "final dahoam" in the top flight in 2025: "That's where we all want to be."
Including Thomas Müller, for whom Neuer made a plea to stay. "Thomas simply belongs to Bayern Munich," he said, adding that they know and appreciate each other and that the contract extension would certainly "work out" for the 34-year-old.
Or would it, Mr. Müller? "I don't know," joked the top scorer after his first starting eleven appearance in this Champions League season. But of course, the second home final after the drama of 2012 is "a bit of a lure, no question". Especially when you can play it in front of someone like Manuel Neuer.
- Despite denying the DFB's alleged plan, Manuel Neuer continued to impress in both FC Bayern Munich matches and the national team, showcasing his skills in goal and securing his spot in the squad for the upcoming European Championship.
- In the Champions League game against Copenhagen, Neuer's impressive performance, including a triple save in the 87th minute, reinforced his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, echoing the praise from coaches like Thomas Tuchel and TV pundit Michael Ballack.
- With Thomas Müller's contract extension on the horizon, Neuer emphasized the importance of the striker remaining with the team, praising their friendship and shared history at Bayern Munich, ultimately expressing confidence that their future together would continue to flourish.
Source: www.ntv.de
