The new DFB captain Ilkay Gündogan does not see the good relationship with his predecessor Manuel Neuer as being endangered by a possible return of the long-time captain to the German national football team.
“The exchange was always great, so there are no problems from either side,” he said after the DFB team’s 2-2 draw against Mexico in Philadelphia.
“We’re all keeping our fingers crossed for Manu that he gets fit quickly and comes back as well and quickly as possible,” added Gündogan: “Every world-class team can use a Manuel Neuer in top form.”
Gündogan reported that there is currently no exchange with the goalkeeper, who is about to return to the FC Bayern goal after his broken leg.
The FC Barcelona midfielder was named the new DFB captain by Hansi Flick in September and has now been confirmed in office by his successor Julian Nagelsmann.
He considers his position “a great honor and a great privilege,” said the 32-year-old: “I try to solve the task authentically, not to change too much and to lead the way with performance and to support the younger people in particular.”