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.
