DFB: Shoulder endangers World Cup for Neuer – Nagelsmann praises replacement Ulreich

Substitute Ulreich “does it superbly”

The time for national goalkeeper Manuel Neuer until the start of the 2022 World Cup is getting tighter. Bayern Munich’s head coach Julian Nagelsmann commented on the 36-year-old’s current fitness level, but did not want to give an exact forecast. Neuer is currently struggling with the consequences of a bruise in his left shoulder joint, has already missed six competitive games due to injury – and will probably have to sit out another week. Stand now.

Nagelsmann is currently unable to say whether the veteran will make it to the start of the tournament in Qatar, “because I’m not a clairvoyant”. The head coach (quoted via “Picture”) explained: “Manu and I can’t look inside his body. We don’t know when the pain pattern will stop. I don’t know, but I firmly believe that he can play the World Cup. We’re doing everything we can for that.” In addition to the shoulder issue, Neuer is also said to be dealing with calf problems.

Most recently, deputy Sven Ulreich (34) guarded the goal at Bayern. Neuer was injured before the top game against Borussia Dortmund on October 8 (2-2), but was still between the posts with the help of painkillers. In hindsight it was probably a mistake. “We did that against Dortmund and that was probably a bit too early,” said Nagelsmann.

“The corner joint needs rest. Of course he also does stress tests. But not under full load, otherwise we’ll have the same cheese all over again. This is a structure that needs rest. The shoulder is generally a complicated joint. That needs rest,” says Nagelsmann. “If he still has the persistent pain in five weeks, he will not play the World Cup!”

The final round will take place from November 20th to December 18th, national coach Hansi Flick would like to announce his final 26-man squad on November 10th. The DFB team will start the tournament against Japan on November 23rd. Even before the 2014 World Championships in Brazil and 2018 in Russia, Neuer only got fit in time shortly beforehand due to injuries.

Nagelsmann praises Neuer’s replacement at Bayern: Ulreich “an important guy”

Meanwhile, Nagelsmann praised Neuer’s placeholder Ulreich. “We’re glad we have someone who is always there when needed. He’s a good guy and an important guy for the team who lives up to his role and is aware of his role. He doesn’t need a long warm-up period to get the tension he needs,” said Nagelsmann before the game against Mainz on Saturday (3:30 p.m.). Five wins with 19:4 goals are in Ulreich’s record since his cold start in the 4:2 group game of the Champions League at Viktoria Pilsen. “He does an outstanding job,” praised Nagelsmann.

Especially in terms of football, Ulreich would represent Neuer, who was two years his senior, “with a lot of courage in the opening, not just with long balls, but with good ideas, playing flat into midfield,” as the Bayern coach emphasized. “Manu is the best goalkeeper in the world, also in terms of football. You’re used to always playing back passes. But the boys have an extremely high level of trust in Ulle. He already has a few Champions League games under his belt,” said Nagelsmann.

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