Rudi Völler firmly believes that Manuel Neuer will return to the goal of the German national soccer team.
“Of course, he’s the captain,” replied the DFB sports director on Sky on Tuesday evening when asked whether the goalkeeper from record champions Bayern Munich still had a future in the selection of the German Football Association (DFB) after his serious injury.
After the World Cup debacle in Qatar, Neuer broke his lower leg on a skiing holiday and will be out for the rest of the season. Most recently, the 36-year-old caused a stir with interviews critical of the club. In it, Neuer criticized Bayern for throwing out his confidante and goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic (“heart torn out”).
Völler is convinced that Neuer and Bayern Munich can resolve the recent differences. “I can imagine that those responsible – if they haven’t already done so – will get together shortly and try to get it under control again,” said Völler, adding that he was “optimistic”.
“Maybe a few minor mistakes were made on both sides, but by no means so bad that it can’t be fixed,” added the 62-year-old.