Shortly before the start of the World Cup, the question of goalkeeping for the German national team continues to cause debate. Although national coach Julian Nagelsmann has already made it clear that Manuel Neuer will start the tournament as number one, there is not only support for this decision. Former national goalkeeper Almuth Schult has now expressed clear doubts about the Bayern captain’s return
The German national team is eagerly awaiting its World Cup opener against Curaçao. While preparations have been successful with victories against Finland and the USA, one player in particular remains in the spotlight: Manuel Neuer
The 40-year-old missed both test matches due to calf problems, but is still expected to stand between the posts for the first group match, with national coach Julian Nagelsmann and the DFB officials placing their full trust in the Bayern keeper’s experience
Not everyone shares this assessment
In an interview with RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND ), Olympic champion Almuth Schult was critical of the decision to bring Neuer back after his retirement from the national team
Schult no longer sees Neuer at his top level
The former national goalkeeper recalls that Neuer has not always been the decisive factor in past major tournaments. „In the last few tournaments, and this should not be forgotten, Neuer was not the decisive factor in saving the DFB team from elimination,“ explained Schult
Although the 35-year-old does not question the Bayern captain’s exceptional class, she is critical of his current form
„When he’s at his best, Neuer is still the best goalkeeper in the world,“ emphasized Schult. However, she added: „Only this season has shown that he’s not consistently playing at his very highest level.“
The former Wolfsburg goalkeeper is addressing a point that has also been repeatedly discussed at FC Bayern. Neuer put in numerous strong performances last season, but at the same time had to cope with several minor injuries and was unable to consistently perform at his usual level
Nagelsmann and Völler hold on to Neuer
Despite the criticism, the DFB’s stance remains unchanged, with Nagelsmann having long since committed to Neuer as number 1
Oliver Baumann, who impressed in the test matches against Finland and the USA, will also return to the substitutes‘ bench as things stand
However, Schult doesn’t think much of judging Neuer on individual actions. „I wouldn’t make anything dependent on the first few games, even if he makes his first mistake,“ she explained. The decisive factor is whether the Bayern star can make the difference in the important knockout games
„It’s about whether Manuel Neuer can save the Germans in the next round,“ said Schult
Meanwhile, Neuer has the backing of DFB sporting director Rudi Völler, who recently defended the decision once again and referred to the goalkeeper’s exceptional class. „Manuel has already completed training sessions with the team here in Chicago and has shown that his calf is no longer causing any major problems,“ explained Völler
The Bayern keeper’s experience in particular is a decisive factor: „We’re talking about Manuel Neuer here! He’s a world-class goalkeeper who has already experienced everything in his career and has plenty of experience.“
For Völler, there is therefore no doubt about the value of the veteran: „He will play a super tournament, I’m convinced of that.“
Whether this assessment proves to be correct or Almuth Schult’s scepticism is justified will soon become clear. Manuel Neuer will once again take center stage in the World Cup opener against Curaçao at the latest – and with it one of the most exciting personnel decisions of the tournament.