The discussion about the number one goalkeeper for the German national team before the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada has continued in the last few days. While many experts and fans are controversially discussing Manuel Neuer’s possible return, the 2014 world champion received further prominent support from a former teammate: Roman Weidenfeller has clearly backed Neuer and believes his DFB comeback is right.
The long-time Borussia Dortmund keeper won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil together with Neuer and knows exactly what it means for the national team. In an interview with “Sky Sport”, Weidenfeller made it clear that, for him, no other German goalkeeper could currently get past Neuer.
“Absolutely, because he is the best German goalkeeper in the Bundesliga,” said Weidenfeller when asked whether Neuer should go to the World Cup as number one.
He was particularly impressed by the Bayern captain’s consistently strong performances: “He still has top values - especially with the top chances – and we all know that we can rely on Manuel.”
Weidenfeller added that he was “of course” keeping his fingers crossed and wished the currently ailing veteran every success in his World Cup adventure.
Weidenfeller finds Nagelsmann communication “not entirely positive”
At the same time, Weidenfeller admitted that the communication surrounding the current goalkeeping question had not gone optimally. National coach Julian Nagelsmann in particular had recently been criticized for not making a clear commitment to Neuer or Oliver Baumann at an early stage.
“The communication was perhaps not entirely positive,” Weidenfeller told Sky Sport openly. Nevertheless, he can understand why Nagelsmann didn’t want to make a commitment for a long time: “Ultimately, of course, it’s always very difficult to make a decision in advance because injuries can always happen.”
This is exactly the concern that is currently playing a role: Neuer currently has to take a step back due to slight calf problems and will be rested in the cup final on Saturday evening (from 8:00 p.m.). For Weidenfeller, however, there is no reason to panic. With a wink he said: “The nation’s calf is pinching a bit.”