Germany's World Cup chances rest with keeper Neuer, coach says

Germany's World Cup campaign will heavily rely on the form of veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, according to coach Julian Nagelsmann. The 40-year-old Neuer has been instrumental for the four-time champions, and Nagelsmann expressed confidence that the goalkeeper has regained his rhythm at the right time for the tournament.

"We trust him a lot," Nagelsmann told a news conference. "In order to have a good World Cup we need Manuel in top performance and we think he can do that. He didn't have the rhythm but now he has found the rhythm."

“

We trust him a lot. In order to have a good World Cup we need Manuel in top performance and we think he can do that. He didn't have the rhythm but now he has found the rhythm.

The German team enters the tournament with the goal of rebuilding their damaged international reputation following disappointing first-round exits in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Nagelsmann downplayed questions about Germany not being considered among the top favorites this year, suggesting that such assessments would be clearer after the competition.

“

When we take a look at the last two World Cups we didn’t perform in a good way so we won’t be mentioned as a favourite for this tournament. It is our job to do a perfect World Cup now and then we will be a favourite for the next World Cup.

"When we take a look at the last two World Cups we didn’t perform in a good way so we won’t be mentioned as a favourite for this tournament," he said. "It is our job to do a perfect World Cup now and then we will be a favourite for the next World Cup."

While Germany is grouped with Ivory Coast and Ecuador, Nagelsmann emphasized that the team's immediate focus is on their opening match against Curacao. He acknowledged Curacao's potential to surprise, noting their squad comprises Dutch-raised players with significant quality. The match also presents an interesting tactical dynamic, with the 38-year-old Nagelsmann, the tournament's youngest head coach, facing off against Curacao's 78-year-old coach Dick Advocaat. Nagelsmann humorously remarked that he hoped not to be coaching at Advocaat's age, expressing admiration for his long and successful career.

“

I love my job but I hope I have some different things to do at that age. Dick Advocaat is a really cool coach and has done a brilliant job for Curacao. It is a great compliment for his work.