by Oliver Trust

BERLIN, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Manuel Neuer's perspective on life might have changed slightly over the past months. His wife Anika gave birth to a son in March 2024 and the veteran goalkeeper's interview schedule now includes family issues with little Luca in the center.

Despite a demanding Euro 2024, Neuer's son is around when the 38-year-old is enjoying some hours with his loved ones in Germany's base camp in Herzogenaurach as soon as Germany's head coach Julian Nagelsmann announces a "family day."

Plunging into cuddles with Luca, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper might forget about the debate over who should be Germany's No. 1.

Ahead of the final Group A encounter against Switzerland in Frankfurt this Sunday evening, Neuer must be experiencing a jumble of emotions.

Despite Nagelsmann announcing him as the country's No. 1 and putting in a brilliant performance against Hungary, the goalkeeper's recent failures have turned into a burden.

UEFA Champions League semifinals against Real Madrid, internationals against Ukraine and Greece - all won't be noted as the best games in his career.

Team rival and Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen is breathing down his neck. Only weeks ahead of Euros on home soil, Neuer returned from a long injury lay-off caused by a skiing accident.

Since 2009, he has been known for putting in perfect performances in most of his 121 internationals.

Against Switzerland, he is set to overtake Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon by playing in his 18th match at a European Championships.

Rumors grow that the Bayern goalkeeper might end his international career after the tournament, following the example of six-time Champions League winner Toni Kroos.

For now, the 2014 World Cup winner is keeping his decision a secret and claims to be concentrating on the tournament's challenges.

"I don't read anything about me," he says, while Nagelsmann repeatedly expresses his "full trust" in Neuer.

Despite the coach's confidence, Germany icon Bastian Schweinsteiger demanded more support for the experienced keeper and mentioned his stunning saves against Hungary.

"After his saves, teammates came to congratulate him and tousled his hair. I guess this is telling the story," Nagelsmann added.

As a fact, Germany's shaky defense seems to have been shored up with the help of 2023-2024 Bundesliga champion Jonathan Tah and Champions League winner Antonio Rudiger.

While Nagelsmann intends to create a familiar stability in his line-up, it seems unforgotten that Germany's 2014 World Cup win was grounded on a solid defense.

Two-time Champions League winner and 11-time Bundesliga champion Neuer confidently speaks about Germany's role as one of the favorites and does not entertain the notion that the team might play without him.

The legend might be set for his last dance in the Germany shirt, but he seems determined to create a happy ending for himself and the squad. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)