Goalkeeper legend Sepp Maier has strongly advocated for Manuel Neuer’s return to the German national football team, urging national coach Julian Nagelsmann to set aside any personal reservations regarding the player. Maier stated in an interview with Sport1 that there is no question about Neuer being the number one choice for the upcoming World Cup, declaring, «He belongs in, period.»
Maier continued, «This isn’t a team outing; this is the national team. Manu is still the number one in Germany.» However, the club legend acknowledged that the debate surrounding the FC Bayern captain is «not purely about sporting merit.» He added, «And Manu has already said a hundred times that he’s not coming back – at least, that’s what he says.»
Maier expressed his bewilderment at Nagelsmann’s apparent reluctance to approach Neuer, saying, «In the past, you fielded your best players, period. Nowadays, everything is analyzed, moderated, communicated – and in the end, the best player sits on the sidelines.»
He continued, «The national coach often seems to me like someone who wants to prepare everything perfectly – that’s also his strength. But football isn’t an Excel spreadsheet! You need instinct, hierarchy, respect. And when a Manuel Neuer sits in the locker room, it changes something – in a positive way.»
Regarding Neuer’s performance in the Champions League match against Real Madrid, Maier commented, «Neuer made saves there that would have torn me apart in goal earlier. That’s not a normal performance anymore – that’s magic with gloves.» He emphasized, «Anyone who is still discussing whether he’s good enough has about as much understanding of goalkeeping as I have of ballet.»