The end of the season for Manuel Neuer also gives Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann and national coach Hansi Flick food for thought.
The fact that the 36-year-old goalkeeper broke his lower leg on a ski tour caused a sudden vacancy in the goalkeeper position at FC Bayern Munich and the national soccer team. This puts the focus on three keepers who were recently in Neuer's shadow.
Sven Ulrich
The reliable number two of FC Bayern has just received a new contract until mid-2024 for his services as an uncomplaining shadow man from Neuer. Now the 34-year-old could become a regular. He has already played in eight competitive games this season as a substitute for the indisposed Neuer, Bayern Munich won all eight games and Ulreich kept five clean sheets. "He was and is always a support when he is needed, even in the dressing room," said sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic. But is the trust enough for the entire second half of the series and especially the knockout phase of the Champions League with the round of 16 against Paris Saint-Germain?
Alexander Nuebel
Brought as a possible new heir, the ex-Schalke took flight due to a lack of missions. His loan to AS Monaco runs until the summer. The 26-year-old has repeatedly emphasized that he does not want to line up behind Neuer again in Munich. Now his hour could come if Bayern bring him back from Monaco early. The danger: Nübel could become a source of trouble if he were only number two behind Ulreich. On the other hand: To only plan with Ulreich and 19-year-old Johannes Schenk would be quite daring for Bayern.
Marc-André ter Stegen
The 30-year-old is the eternal crown prince in the national team. With Neuer's forced break, national coach Hansi Flick could force the change in the goalkeeper position. At the World Cup in Qatar, Neuer no longer seemed as confident as in his heyday, and questions about a resignation from the DFB promptly arose. Ter Stegen as number one would be the logical consequence. The FC Barcelona keeper could be between the posts for the two internationals in March as well as for a very special occasion in June. Then the 1000th international match in DFB history is coming up.
Communication from the DFB Communication from FC Bayern
