Football - Newer on ter Stegen: "It's unfortunate to note"
Manuel Neuer made a triumphant return to the DFB team following an 18-month absence, filled with both delight and a sense of accomplishment. "It felt great, I've got to admit," said the 38-year-old after the scoreless match against Ukraine. The encounter marked his 118th international appearance, which he'd been anticipating for a long time since his severe leg fracture at the 2022 World Cup.
Julian Nagelsmann, the German national coach, had selected Neuer as the top choice for the home EM in March, instead of Ter Stegen from FC Barcelona. Neuer acknowledged the disheartened feelings of his longtime rival: "Marc knows the situation. It's unfortunate as he's truly a top-notch goalkeeper, who has consistently shown exceptional performances. Still, that's also a typical aspect of our profession."
"There's always just one person who gets the starting spot at the goalkeeper position," Neuer explained. Since the 2010 World Cup, he has been the first-choice goalkeeper for all significant competitions. During his extensive injury break, Ter Stegen (32) had hoped to secure the spot as the tournament's primary goalkeeper.
"I didn't even notice Jarmolenko"
Neuer made several decent saves against Ukraine. However, he could also breathe a sigh of relief that a significant error on his part near the end didn't result in a loss. Following a brief pass from Robin Koch, Neuer had left the goal and chipped the ball directly to the opposition. "I didn't even see Jarmolenko on the left side," Neuer recalled.
His slip-up proved irrelevant due to the offside position of the Ukrainian attacker before the unattended DFB goal. "The shock was minimal," stated Nagelsmann with understanding. "Within a fraction of a second, it was evident that the player was offside." Neuer could therefore sum up his return in a positive manner: "It's been a long and bumpy journey, punctuated by lots of hard work. If I hadn't stayed motivated, the end result wouldn't have transpired."
Read also:
- Despite Marc-André ter Stegen's exceptional performances with FC Barcelona, Julian Nagelsmann chose Manuel Neuer as the goalkeeper for Germany's national team for the home EM in March.
- Neuer acknowledged that ter Stegen must feel disheartened at not being selected for the World Cup, considering his top-notch skills and consistent performances.
- Despite being the first-choice goalkeeper for significant competitions since the 2010 World Cup, Neuer admitted that there can only be one person in the goalkeeper position, and luck played a role in his restoration to the team.
- Bavaria's goalkeeper, Neuer, had a mixed performance against Ukraine, making decent saves and even committing an error near the end, but the Ukrainian attacker was offside before the unattended DFB goal.
- Neuer was grateful for his return to the German national team following an 18-month absence filled with a severe leg fracture at the 2022 World Cup and expressed his gratitude for staying motivated throughout the difficult period.
- Despite being criticized for leaving the goal and chipping the ball to the opposition, Neuer was optimistic about his return and thankful for the second chance to represent his country in the Soccer World Cup in Nuremberg.
- With Julian Nagelsmann as the German national coach, expect to see Manual Neuer between the posts for Germany's upcoming international matches and potential appearances in the European Championships (EM) or other significant soccer events.
