“None of his skills lost”
Lothar Matthäus wants DFB return from Manuel Neuer
17.08.2025 – 10:53 p.m.Reading time: 2 min.
After the violation of Marc-André Ter Stegen, the future in the DFB goal is again uncertain. Lothar Matthäus would welcome Manuel Neuer to return.
Manuel Neuer has recently drawn attention to himself with strong performance-now the Bayern goalkeeper receives prominent backing: Record national player Lothar Matthäus considers a return of the routine to the national team possible and useful.
In an interview with the “kicker” Matthäus said: “The best should play, Manu showed at the club World Cup that he has lost none of his skills. He and ter Stegen are our outstanding goalkeepers. The others are good, but that’s not enough for the World Cup title.” The World Cup will take place in the USA, Canada and Mexico next summer.
Ter Stegen, which was intended as number one in the DFB goal after new resignation, is for several months due to back operation. He will surely miss the qualification games for the World Cup in September. The 33-year-old could also lose his regular place at Barça. A change of club with a prospect of game practice would be possible in January at the earliest.
If new and ter Stegen are not available, Matthäus recommends another veteran: “As a national coach, I would try to see Bernd Leno,” he said. Leno had a lot of experience in the Premier League and is one of the best goalkeepers there.
The 33-year-old currently plays for FC Fulham. Discussions had triggered his rejection to the national team last year. At that time, national coach Julian Nagelsmann offered him a squad square, but without a guarantee of use. Instead, Oliver Baumann (TSG Hoffenheim) and Alexander Nübel (VfB Stuttgart) were preferred as a replacement for the injured ter Stegen.
Most recently, Neuer showed a strong performance against VfB Stuttgart at Bayern’s Supercup victory. Matthäus considers it possible that the almost 40-year-old will extend his contract in Munich again.
“If he remains free of injury, why not? His reactions are still correct, positioning game and parades, he has personality anyway,” said Matthäus. “I wouldn’t bet that it’s his last season.”
In February, the former world goalkeeper had extended his contract with Bayern until 2026. He ran 124 times for the national team and celebrated the World Cup title in 2014.