Neuer to be ‘No.1’ choice if he makes it to Russia
>> BERLIN: Manuel Neuer will be Germany’s first choice goalkeeper at the 2018 World Cup if he makes the final squad, team manager Oliver Bierhoff said on Thursday, even though the 2014 World Cup winner has not played a competitive game since September.
Neuer missed almost the entire season after breaking a bone in his foot and undergoing surgery.
His comeback for Bayern Munich was repeatedly delayed and the 32-year-old has had no match practice ahead of the tournament starting in Russia on June 14.
He played in both recent training matches against Germany’s U20 team at their training base in Italy and is set to play in their friendly international against Austria today.
“Manuel will go to the World Cup as our No.1,” Bierhoff said. “If he makes the squad then Marc-Andre [ter Stegen] will be No.2.”
Coach Joachim Loew has picked four keepers, including Barcelona’s ter Stegen, Paris St-Germain’s Kevin Trapp and Bayer Leverkusen’s Bernd Leno, for his 27-man preliminary squad, preparing in the Italian Alps.
He will cut four players, including one goalkeeper, on Monday for his final 23.
“Manuel is already full on track. He does not need to get back on it. All the players have left a big impression here and it is as very difficult decision,” Bierhoff said.
“On the evening before the team announcement there will be the final thoughts among the coaching staff. By noon the next day the players will be informed.”
Loew has said Neuer will start the first World Cup match against Mexico in Moscow on June 17, providing he proves his fitness against the Austrians, then Saudi Arabia in Leverkusen next Friday before the team fly to Russia.
At the World Cup, which begins June 14, Germany are in Group F with Mexico, Sweden and South Korea.