Goalkeeper debate about Neuer: Kahn criticizes Bayern boss Eberl | OneFootball

The goalkeeping debate surrounding Manuel Neuer has been reignited by recent performances and statements from those responsible. While the 39-year-old continues to put in strong performances for FC Bayern, criticism is mounting after he made several serious mistakes against Arsenal, Union Berlin and SC Freiburg. But regardless of this dip in form, the discussion surrounding the Bayern captain’s possible return to the DFB team is flaring up again – and it’s mainly because of one man: Max Eberl.

The FC Bayern sporting director recently took a surprisingly clear stance when he answered the question of whether Neuer should go to the World Cup with a clear „Yes!“ For Eberl, the FCB keeper is „the best goalkeeper in Germany“ – statements that were met with astonishment by the public, as Neuer himself has not yet expressed any ambitions to return to the national team for the 2026 World Cup.

Kahn opposes Eberl: „Not conclusive“

Oliver Kahn was particularly irritated. The former FC Bayern CEO and long-time national goalkeeper clearly criticized Eberl’s statements. On Sky, Kahn said: „I don’t know if that was necessarily agreed. It’s probably his conviction, but it’s not coherent in itself.“

Kahn is particularly bothered by the contradiction between Neuer’s own withdrawal from the national team and the public demand from the Munich management: „Manuel has actually announced his retirement, then some people say: He has to play in the national team – and then also from FC Bayern. That doesn’t fit together.“

For Kahn, one thing is clear: as long as Neuer himself does not give any signals, the club should not push the player in one direction or bring his name into the headlines unnecessarily.

The situation in the DFB goal: ter Stegen crisis as a factor of uncertainty

photo: IMAGO

One reason why the debate has picked up speed again is the current situation of the national keeper Marc-André ter Stegen. The keeper is stuck in a complicated situation at his club FC Barcelona. After his back injury, he has not only lost his starting place, but has even lost his number three status after internal disputes.

A winter transfer is on the cards – and would probably be his only chance to gain sufficient match practice again before the World Cup. If ter Stegen only plays sporadically in the new year, national coach Julian Nagelsmann could be forced to rethink. And in this scenario, one name would automatically come up again: Manuel Neuer.

A sensitive time – and an unnecessarily open barrel

Eberl’s strong words act as an additional accelerant in this situation. While Neuer himself remains silent and is fully focused on FC Bayern, the public appeal from the boardroom increases the pressure – and the expectations. This is precisely what Kahn criticizes: the debate is „unnecessary and illogical“ as long as Neuer himself does not want to reopen the path to the national team.