Bayern legend blurts out: „Stop calling for Neuer again and again“ | OneFootball

The question of goalkeeping in the German national team has been the subject of discussion for months – and it is precisely this debate that is now really getting on the nerves of one Bayern legend. Sepp Maier has made it clear what he thinks of the recurring speculation surrounding the return of Manuel Neuer: nothing

The renewed discussion was triggered by the serious injury to Marc-André ter Stegen, who had taken over as the DFB’s number one goalkeeper following Manuel Neuer’s retirement in 2024. As soon as the Barça keeper’s absence was announced, some members of the public started calling for Neuer to return – much to Sepp Maier’s displeasure

„The topic is a bit annoying. Whenever something happens, people immediately call for Manu,“ the 81-year-old told SPORT1. Although this shows the extraordinary importance that Neuer still has, it doesn’t help the national team in any way in Maier’s view. On the contrary: „It doesn’t help the current team and development.“

For Maier, a DFB comeback for the soon-to-be 40-year-old Neuer is out of the question anyway. „Have we heard anything from the national coach? No. Stop speculating about a return,“ the 1974 World Cup winner made clear

Clear hierarchy instead of old construction sites

photo: IMAGO

Instead of nostalgic retrospection, Maier calls for a clear view forward. „The team needs calm, confidence and clarity,“ emphasised the former national goalkeeper. For him, the distribution of roles is clear: Oliver Baumann is the number one, behind him there are other high-performing goalkeepers. Manuel Neuer remains a world-class personality, „but no longer in the DFB goal. That should be enough.“

Maier was also sober about the loss of ter Stegen. Personally, he was „extremely sorry“, as the keeper had worked hard for this role over the years and was finally able to get regular match practice again thanks to his move to FC Girona. Although the loss was painful in sporting terms, panic-mongering was out of place. „But you can’t act as if everything is going to collapse because of it.“

For Maier, it is crucial that the DFB stands united behind the new number one – without reigniting old debates. Only then can the national team develop in a stable manner.