Manuel Neuer has made his long-awaited recovery after a nasty skiing incident at the end of 2022. He has found an instant spot starting under Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich, but it might not be easy for him to start with Germany. Manuel Neuer has been the undisputed starting goalkeeper for the national team for what seems like an eternity, but it might be time for Neuer to pass over the throne.
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has been excellent for FC Barcelona over these past few years and has done more than enough to consider himself a starting goalkeeper at the international level. Unfortunately for him, it’s not that simple when your country has Manuel Neuer at their disposal. It’s far to say Ter Stegen has waited his turn long enough for a shot.
Neuer on the national team: “Julian Nagelsmann and I are in contact and we also spoke after the Dortmund game. We agreed that I won’t be travelling to the national team (for the next games) and use the time here instead. We spoke openly about everything. I will do everything to… pic.twitter.com/udsL9yb2Fd
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) November 7, 2023
Now that Neuer has returned, Nagelsmann isn’t rushing him back into the lineup. However, Neuer made his intentions clear in an interview this month speaking about his ambitions and that he always wants to be on the pitch. Would Neuer retire from international play if he knew he would never get the #1 spot again? Hard to tell.
Germany fans will be cheering for Neuer to hit full stride and put that argument to rest. Ter Stegen might have to keep waiting for his time.
