German National Squad, in simpler terms. - "The Top Notch": Hoeneß elevates Neuer - seeks more elite figures
Sebastian Hoeneß, manager for Bundesliga team VfB Stuttgart, has given high praise to goalkeeper Manuel Neuer after his departure from the German national team. Simultaneously, the Swabian coach hopes that his current goalkeeper, Alexander Nübel, will assume a larger role in the German national team in the future.
"He's the best goalkeeper I've ever come across," Hoeneß stated regarding Neuer. "A real standout, if not the absolute best." The German national team's first-choice goalkeeper, representing FC Bayern Munich, declared on Wednesday his decision to cease national team participation following eight major tournaments. The 2014 World Cup champion will now concentrate solely on club-level play.
Nübel was unexpectedly omitted from the squad just prior to the home Euro.
"That's undeniably a loss for German football," Hoeneß commented. "However, it also provides an opportunity for others to seize the moment. And I've got my sights set on Alex. I believe he's been playing at an exceptionally high level for quite some time now, particularly last year."
Nübel is currently on loan from Bayern to VfB until 2026. Last season, he surprisingly helped Stuttgart finish as runners-up. Initially, the 27-year-old was tapped to join the German squad for the home Euro but was later removed with only days to go before the tournament started.
Hoeneß described Nübel as offering a "comprehensive goalkeeper profile that is equally important in the national team." Furthermore, he pointed out that Nübel is still relatively young. Although there are other "truly impressive goalkeepers" available in the national team pool, the VfB coach anticipates that Nübel "will assume an essential, significant role there by delivering solid performances at our club."
"Despite being on loan to VfB Stuttgart from FC Bayern, Alexander Nübel has shown exceptional form and even helped the team finish as runners-up last season."
"With Manuel Neuer stepping away from the German national team, there's a chance for young goalkeepers like Nübel to step up and make a name for themselves, as recognized by manager Sebastian Hoeneß of VfB Stuttgart."
