Kroos defends Neuer comeback – but criticizes the DFB | OneFootball

Manuel Neuer’s return to the German national team continues to cause debate. Now former international Toni Kroos has also commented on Julian Nagelsmann’s decision – and given a differentiated assessment

In his podcast Einfach mal Luppen, which Kroos produces together with his brother Felix, the 2014 world champion spoke at length about the DFB’s current World Cup squad

Kroos was generally satisfied with the selection, but made it clear that he would have made individual decisions differently. For example, the former Real star would have nominated Yann Bisseck for the defense, whom he values above all for his physical presence

Kroos believes Neuer’s return is the right decision from a sporting point of view

Of course, Manuel Neuer was also discussed in the podcast. The return of the Bayern keeper two years after his retirement had recently caused a lot of discussion – mainly due to the communication surrounding Oliver Baumann

In sporting terms, however, Kroos understands the decision: „Perhaps it should have been clarified two or three days earlier. But from a sporting point of view, it’s right to go to the World Cup with the best and pay less attention to sensitivities,“ explained the 36-year-old

Kroos thus backed both Neuer and national coach Julian Nagelsmann, saying that the Bayern keeper’s experience and quality remain a huge factor, especially at the highest level

Felix Kroos expresses doubts about Neuer’s consistency

photo: IMAGO

However, the discussion was not entirely without reservations, with Felix Kroos referring in particular to the 40-year-old’s lack of consistency in recent years

„I’ve noticed a lack of consistency from him in recent years, that he plays world class over seven or eight games. Oliver Baumann, on the other hand, has played very consistently,“ he explained

At the same time, Felix Kroos also emphasized that this was not a fundamental criticism of the decision: „But I’m only expressing concerns and not saying that the decision is wrong.“

Neuer continues to work on his World Cup comeback

Manuel Neuer is currently still struggling with his fitness. The Bayern keeper recently missed the DFB Cup final against VfB Stuttgart due to a calf injury

Neuer will also not be able to play in the German national team’s first test match against Finland, while the second preparation match against the USA is currently considered a realistic comeback target

However, the discussions about his physical condition are likely to continue, with critics seeing the renewed problems as confirmation and doubting whether Neuer can actually be at 100 percent for the World Cup.