Manuel Neuer has ruled out resigning from the national soccer team after another World Cup preliminary round and his broken leg. In an interview with the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” published on Friday, the 36-year-old said he had to see how he would come back. “When the time comes, I’ll look in the mirror and tell myself the truth, like I always do. If I don’t perform, I’ll vacate the post. But don’t count on it!”
He is in contact with national coach Hansi Flick, Neuer explained. “He clearly expects me to come back and I’ll do anything to make that happen. I’m sure I can do it.” At Bayern Munich, Yann Sommer, who was signed from Borussia Mönchengladbach during the winter break, will replace the keeper who will be absent for the rest of the season.
Neuer expressed his disappointment that the German record champions parted ways with long-time goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic. “He didn’t just work for me for eleven and a half years, but for everyone,” explained Neuer. “It was a blow for me when I was already on the ground. I felt like my heart was being ripped out, it was the craziest thing I’ve experienced in my career.”