While Thomas Müller has retired from the national team, everything still seems to be open for Manuel Neuer. The Bayern captain has many options – including one that could put the national coach in trouble.
Manuel Neuer did look a little tired when he entered the “Azaleas” conference room in the Bayern team hotel in Seoul. No wonder, because the FCB number 1 had just completed an eleven-hour flight and a training session in the warm, humid Korean air.
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One could easily think that this could be the last PR trip with FC Bayern for the now 38-year-old. His contract expires in the summer of 2025. But when Neuer spoke to reporters, it became clear that he is not really thinking about quitting yet.
Neuer takes his time
“I’ve always said that I have to listen to my body, it will give me feedback. Then, of course, it’s primarily about my performance and then also about whether I’m still enjoying it,” explained the keeper.
His contract in Munich runs until 2025. However, with a fit Neuer, Bayern would probably like to extend it again.
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And he would still be a top solution for the national team. While Thomas Müller has decided to retire from the DFB team, the goalkeeper emphasized the recent positive experiences. “You always think about things. I was very happy with the way we performed as a team at the European Championships and finally grew closer to the fans again,” said Neuer.
He knows that the national team could have achieved more at the European Championships. In 2026, they have a good chance of winning the World Cup – Neuer would be 40 by then. An age that doesn’t necessarily have to deter goalkeepers.
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Neuer is confident again
While the goalkeeper accepted the 2018 World Cup exit with a shrug of the shoulders because he had the impression that sooner or later they would have been eliminated anyway, things are different now.
Consequently, Neuer does not want to rush anything. SPORTS1When asked about the question, he says it is “not yet time” to announce a decision. “A few more discussions have to take place, then I have to be clear about what I actually want.”
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When asked who he needed to talk to, he replied: “With myself.”
Neuer has some options
Neuer has several options. He could resign immediately, but if he really wanted to, why not immediately after the European Championships?
A second possibility would be for him to push for a nomination for the international matches in September and to clearly communicate his claim to the place between the goals. The result would certainly be a murmur in the German football public. There are now many observers who would like to see Marc-André ter Stegen in goal for the national team.
Overall, a third option for Neuer should therefore appear particularly attractive: he simply lets things continue for the time being and also accepts it if national coach Julian Nagelsmann puts someone else in goal for the international matches in September. The Bayern keeper could recover for a few days and then impress with good performances in the Bundesliga weeks. There would also be enough opportunities in the expanded Champions League to prove himself and put sporting pressure on Nagelsmann.
Neuer’s reference to Toni Kroos and his return also points to this solution: “Toni also took a longer break and then came back for the tournament.” Would that also be a model for Neuer?
Neuer wants to prove himself again
It wouldn’t be the first time Neuer has sought such a path. Let the critics talk, in the end I’ll be the one in goal anyway – that’s how you could describe his motto for years.
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The 38-year-old also has a loyal lobby both at FC Bayern and in the national team. He still has many supporters. In this respect, only a series of mistakes like at the end of last season could put him behind in the fight for the German number 1 spot.
For Julian Nagelsmann, this Neuer-esque approach would be a balancing act. After the European Championships, he stressed that the fate of the experienced players was in their own hands. Of course, a proactive resignation of a long-serving star like Neuer would spare the national coach public and internal discussions. Nagelsmann would also avoid an unpleasant conversation with the 2014 world champion.
If Neuer actually delays a concrete decision, the ball would be in Nagelsmann’s court – a thankless task. Who would want to get rid of Manuel Neuer?
