Bayern legend back after injury but legend must prove he is still Germany’s best goalkeeper

In conversation with Germany goalkeepers past and present, Adam Bate examines what makes Manuel Neuer so good – and why the Bayern Munich goalkeeper faces a challenge to prove that he is still the man for the job of keeping goal for his country at Euro 2024

Roman Weidenfeller’s face creases and his voice lowers, almost wincing at the recollection.

“Maybe it is 35 when it starts. You are not as quick, not as fast as before with the reactions. He is discussing his decline as a goalkeeper. It is a painful memory. You feel it, you have saved the ball, but then the stadium is crying and you are thinking, what has happened? The ball is in. This is the feeling. Normally, it is your ball and you save it. But you don’t save it. It is the last seconds. It is too late.”

The former Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper is wondering whether his old Bundesliga rival and international team-mate Manuel Neuer is going to rediscover the level that saw him become the best goalkeeper in the world. At 37, it is going to be a challenge.

Story by: George Opoku Boateng. Ahotoronline