Manuel Neuer could not evade the World Cup question on the eve of lifting the Bundesliga for a record 13th time with Bayern Munich. Germany is suffering from lack of personnel and experience at the highest level due to injuries and the 40 year-old Neuer is someone who can never be ruled out in such circumstances.
The Bayern captain was categorically clear that his return to the German team is not a topic for now. Post the final matchday in the Bundesliga, Neuer could not be convinced to give a definite
answer. Instead he chose to focus on the DFB-Pokal finals and left the decision to the national manager Julian Nagelsmann (as captured by @iMiaSanMia):
Manuel Neuer asked about the national team/World Cup: “Ask the coach. For me this is not a topic right now. The focus is on the DFB Pokal final”
• Is a comeback ruled out or not? Neuer: “Not a topic right now”
However, despite Neuer’s repeated reluctance, reports broke that Nagelsmann is, indeed, calling up Neuer to go to North America for the tournament. Here are three reasons why Neuer should consider one last dance with Germany for the World Cup.
Germany needs Manuel Neuer
Marc-André ter Stegen is ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Oliver Baumann is the most experienced keeper in Germany’s camp with all of 11 appearances for the senior team. The backups to him are unfortunately far from convincing in terms of experience and injuries.
Alexander Nübel and Jonas Urbig are decent options but the lack of experience and fear of injuries will always be looming over Nagelsmann’s head. Even minor injuries could prove to be fatal for Germany as Urbig has been injured thrice this season.
With such a precarious situation, Neuer is badly needed by his countrymen to bring unmatchable experience, a sense of reassurance and to keep the injury odds somewhat more favorable than it currently is.
Neuer has still got it
Although the two legs against Real Madrid saw two different Manuel Neuers turn up, you just cannot deny Neuer’s elite quality on his day. He made nine saves in the first leg and played a titanic role in returning home with a crucial one goal lead.
No German player has won the World Cup twice on the pitch
Only the legendary Franz Beckenbauer has won the World Cup twice, albeit once as a player in 1974 and once as a manager in 1990. Manuel Neuer will be the only one from 2014’s World Champion team to represent Germany in USA should he choose to return to Die Mannschaft. While Germany are not favorites by any means, this tournament has a knack of churning up unexpected favorites every single time. It may be a far shot looking at it from this particular angle, but it is a shot nonetheless and Germany has top talent to make their mark.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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