Final trial game - Nagelsmann downplays any discussions over taking over from Neuer.
Neuer set down his silver suitcase and immediately went to speak with the spectators at the large fence. The fans' encouragement helped the German goalkeeper after his concerning error in the Euro 2024 warm-up match against Greece. A few autographs were signed by Neuer and vanished into the evening. Before the Euro 2024 kickoff, the debate regarding Neuer's dependability intensified, but Julian Nagelsmann can still safeguard his regular goalkeeper.
"I don't care about the media discussions. This has been talked about before and talked about countless times," stated the national coach after the 2-1 win in Mönchengladbach. The mistake prior to the 0-1, with Neuer allowing the ball to bounce and Giorgos Masouras aiding the Greeks in taking the lead, "will not be assessed, examined, or contemplated," declared Nagelsmann.
Firm statement from the national coach
Nagelsmann aimed to put an end to the topic decisively: It's not that simple, though. Nagelsmann also listed the latest series of faults. At Real Madrid, their Champions League semifinal exit was due to this. At TSG Hoffenheim, they lost second place in the Bundesliga with Bayern. Next, he referred to the too casual chip ball against Ukraine during the DFB return match on Monday, but it had no consequences. And now, Neuer's deflection against the Greeks.
What's happening with Neuer? Is it his age? Is it a delayed consequence of a severe leg injury? What if the trend persists at the European Championship? The debate's momentum is increased by the fact that a skilled goalkeeper in Marc-André ter Stegen is shelved.
Replaced by ter Stegen, he openly expressed his dissatisfaction with being demoted to the second spot after serving admirably in Neuer's absence, although the team remained loyal to him. Nagelsmann, however, has made a definitive decision and will not alter it for the Euro 2024 opener against Scotland on Friday.
No wavering on Neuer's commitment to the European Championship
Neuer himself reacted methodically to his mistake in his 119th international match. "I simply need to improve how I handle the ball away from me; that's clear to me, I noticed that immediately," explained Neuer to ARD. Uncertainty about Neuer at the European Championship? Not in his mind. "I've demonstrated solid performances in both matches. And so, I'm also heading into the group stage," said the 38-year-old after his return.
His teammates continue to speak respectfully of him, even as the "eternal number one." "If Manuel Neuer can't exude confidence, who else can?" inquired Maximilian Mittelstädt. Midfielder Pascal Groß even became emotional. "I don't understand the discussion. The two goals he saves may be just as significant," he remarked about Neuer's outstanding saves against Christos Tziolis. "I believe he's an incredibly exceptional goalkeeper. I've seen him practice twice. I'm amazed by how proficient he is. It's the most wonderful goalkeeper I've encountered in my career," enthused Groß.
Read also:
- Despite the speculation about him, Manuel Neuer remains the DFB's chosen goalkeeper for the European Championship, as confirmed by Julian Nagelsmann.
- Before the Test match against Greece, the discourse surrounding Neuer's dependability intensified, but the DFB coach stands firm in his support for the Bavarian goalkeeper.
- The National team's coach, Julian Nagelsmann, dismissed the concerns surrounding Neuer's error in the warm-up game against Greece, attributing it to a mishandled ball.
- The debate over Neuer's ability to perform in the upcoming European Championship is fueled by the presence of a skilled backup goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen.
- In a 2-1 win against Mönchengladbach, Neuer proved his resilience by acknowledging his mistake and vowing to improve his handling skills, reassuring teammates and fans alike.
- The team's faithful goalkeeper, Neuer, was upbeat about his performance in the warm-up matches and expressed his determination to carry that form into the European Championship.
- The German national team's star goalkeeper, Neuer, was criticized for allowing a ball to bounce, resulting in a Greece goal during a Test match, but his teammates, including Maximilian Mittelstädt and Pascal Groß, acknowledged his exceptional performance.
- The much-debated goalkeeper, Neuer, continues to be a pillar of German soccer, with Groß expressing his admiration for Neuer's proficiency and skill, despite the occasional barrier grid created by critics and media.
