550 days after his last international match, Manuel Neuer will make his comeback in goal for the German national football team on Monday (from 8:45 p.m. in the LIVE ticker>>>) in Nuremberg in the European Championship test against Ukraine.
But Germany’s captain would have preferred to have avoided the background noise. Over the weekend, the German public was mainly preoccupied with a survey commissioned by WDR, according to which one in five Germans would like to see more white players in the DFB selection again.
Team boss Julian Nagelsmann found clear words. “I hope I never have to read such a shitty survey again,” said the 36-year-old on Sunday in the team camp in Herzogenaurach, where the Germans will also be staying for the home European Championships that begin in two weeks. “I was shocked that such questions were being asked – and that people were answering them. I also think that it is racist.”
Kimmich also sharply criticises survey
His leading player Joshua Kimmich had previously expressed similar views. “Those who grew up in football know that this is absolute nonsense. Football in particular is an example of how you can unite different nations, different skin colours, different religions,” said the Bayern Munich professional.
The survey results are “absolutely racist” and have no place in the dressing room. Kimmich and Nagelsmann criticised the question being asked so shortly before a tournament that was supposed to unite the country.
Two thirds of the 1,304 people interviewed by telephone at the beginning of April said that they were happy that the DFB team now includes many footballers with a migrant background. However, during the filming of a documentary, they were also confronted with statements that there were too few “real”, light-skinned Germans in the team, according to the broadcaster.
The survey was commissioned to verify this picture with data, explained WDR sports director Karl Valks. “We ourselves are dismayed that the results are what they are, but they are also an expression of the social situation in Germany today.”
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Memories of the World Cup in Qatar
Nagelsmann spoke emotionally about the topic. “I have the feeling that we need to wake up a bit. There are simply an unbelievable number of people who have to flee, who are looking for a safe country,” said the national coach before the duel with the Ukrainians. The European Championship test of the two nations will be led by Tyrolean Walter Altmann, who was recently voted the best referee of the domestic Bundesliga season.
In any case, the excitement in Germany is great and is once again pushing the many sporting issues into the background. This was also the case with Neuer’s last DFB appearances.
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the multitude of social side issues had become a sporting burden for the German selection, which was eliminated in the group stage. Neuer was a central figure in the discussion about the non-admission of his rainbow captain’s armband.
For the 38-year-old, it is completely irrelevant what color skin or religion his colleagues have. Before his eighth major tournament in a row as number one, he had more important issues to deal with.
For example, his severe leg fracture after a ski touring accident, which threatened his career shortly after the Qatar World Cup. “It’s an incredible achievement what he accomplished. Not only that he came back, but also the way in which he came back,” emphasised Kimmich.
Kroos ambitious: “Of course I want to win”
The training injury that prevented Neuer from taking part in the tests in March against the ÖFB group opponents France (2:0) and the Netherlands (2:1) was comparatively harmless. And even more so was a gastrointestinal infection that forced him to make a delayed start to his preparations for the European Championship.
“He makes a good impression. Physically he is in good shape and he has trained well. Manu has had a good and stable season. I am sure he will play a very good European Championship,” said Nagelsmann. The opening match of the European Championship against Scotland will take place on June 14. Marc-Andre ter Stegen will once again only be left with the role of the eternal deputy in goal.
Toni Kroos, who has won six Champions League titles since Saturday, will also join the DFB team before the final test match against Greece on Friday in Mönchengladbach. The European Championships at home will mark the end of his career. “It would be wrong not to aim for the European Championship,” said the 34-year-old on Sky after Real Madrid’s 2-0 CL final victory against Borussia Dortmund.
“I think we managed to turn the mood a little more positive. Nevertheless, in my eyes we are far from being a favorite. But it is a given in my mind: When I play a tournament, I naturally want to win.”
This is Germany’s squad for the home EURO 2024
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2024-06-02 16:40:36
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