Germany recall Manuel Neuer as Nagelsmann targets World Cup revival
Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has come out of international retirement to rejoin the Germany squad, as manager Julian Nagelsmann seeks to end the nation’s dismal run of World Cup failures.
The 38-year-old shot-stopper originally stepped away from national duty two years ago following a disappointing tournament in Qatar.
However, the German hierarchy has now turned to the Bayern Munich stalwart to provide crucial leadership and experience.
The four-time world champions are desperate to restore their formidable reputation as the ultimate tournament team.
Consecutive group-stage exits
Recent campaigns have severely dented the proud footballing heritage of the European heavyweights.
A humiliating elimination in Russia in 2018 abruptly ended their defence of the trophy they had won four years prior.
Disaster then struck again at the 2022 tournament following a shock opening defeat by Japan.
Consequently, the national side has not progressed beyond a World Cup group phase since lifting the trophy against Argentina in 2014.
Nagelsmann seeks defensive basics
Former managers Joachim Low and Hansi Flick both ultimately failed to halt this alarming decline.
Flick previously identified a lack of fundamental defensive solidity as the root cause of the team’s ongoing struggles.
Now, the current head coach hopes his returning custodian can reinstil a much-needed sense of confidence into a transitioning squad.
“He has many titles, he has an aura, a big name.”
Nagelsmann strongly believes those past exploits will prove inspirational to a new generation of players.