German press fear that Manuel Neuer is a problem ahead of Euro 2024, after the No. 1 goalkeeper produced another blunder in friendly against Greece despite Julian Nagelsmann’s backing

As the final days before Euro 2024 approach, the German press has expressed concerns about keeping faith with Manuel Neuer in goal and keeping Ilkay Gundogan as captain.

The experienced goalkeeper, 38, has been a stalwart of the German national team since 2009, winning the World Cup trophy in 2014.

Meanwhile, Gundogan was named national team captain by Hansi Flick in September 2023, and head coach Julian Nagelsmann has confirmed that he has fulfilled that call.

However, fans believe Neuer is past his peak, with a mistake gifting Greece a goal in Germany’s final friendly before this summer’s European Championship, and now the country’s media are also questioning whether he is the option. correct for the tournament, fearing that it could become a liability.

In his column for KickerFormer goalkeeper Uli Stein said: “It’s a homemade problem that (head coach) Julian Nagelsmann created for himself with his early decision.

“If you take a Manuel Neuer with you, you have to let him play. But he no longer justifies it in sporting terms.

Coach Julian Nagelsmann has already confirmed that Neuer is his number one for the tournament

“With a heavy heart, but with common sense, they should have left him at home.”

Meanwhile, Bild has highlighted the “second problematic case” related to Gundogan’s captaincy.

The newspaper noted: “If you make him captain, you must let him play.” However, the Barça star has been lackluster in recent international matches.

“And after the return of Toni Kroos, other constellations in midfield would also be possible.”

There has been speculation that goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 32, should be Germany’s number one, but Nagelsmann has stuck to his choice. declaring Neuer the undisputed number one in March.

In May, Neuer was criticized for putting a tame effort in the path of Real Madrid’s Joselu, who gifted the Spanish team a late equalizer against Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final, which they ultimately won. Carlo Ancelotti’s team.

Germany has never changed starting goalkeepers during a major tournament, but any further mistakes by the 38-year-old could force fans and the media to talk more openly about a change.

Neuer made his 118th appearance for the national team in the 2-1 victory over Greece, but there is one moment he won’t remember fondly from the game.

Shortly after the half-hour mark, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper launched a simple shot straight into the path of Giorgos Masouras, who took advantage of the mistake to put the Greeks ahead.

Kai Havertz and Pascal Gross scored second-half goals for the Euro 2024 hosts, ahead of the tournament’s opener against Scotland on Friday night.

Gundogan played the first 68 minutes of the match in Mönchengladbach, before being replaced by Gross, who scored the winning goal for the hosts in the 89th minute.

Neuer was criticized for letting a tame effort slip into the path of Real Madrid’s Joselu in May.

There has been speculation that Marc-Andre ter Stegen should be Germany’s best goalkeeper.

This summer’s European Championship It will be Neuer’s eighth tournament for Germany, after having been named goalkeeper of the tournament during their World Cup success a decade ago.

Gundogan is preparing for his fifth call-up with the national team, having previously participated in Euro 2012, the 2018 World Cup, Euro 2020 (in 2021) and the Qatar World Cup in late 2022.

After facing Scotland on Friday night, Germany will also face Hungary and Switzerland in their bid to reach the last 16 of the tournament.