German press fear that Manuel Neuer is a problem ahead of Euro 2024, after the No. 1 goalkeeper produced another blunder in friendly against Greece despite Julian Nagelsmann’s backing

As the final days before Euro 2024 approach, the German press has expressed concerns about confidence in Manuel Neuer in goal.

The experienced shot-stopper, 38, has been a regular for the German national team since 2009 and won the World Cup trophy in 2014.

However, fans think he’s past his prime, with a mistake giving Greece a goal in Germany’s final friendly ahead of this summer’s European Championship, and now the country’s media are also wondering if he’s the right choice for the tournament, fearing he would be a liability.

In his column for Kickerformer top goalkeeper Uli Stein said: ‘It’s a self-made problem that [Head Coach] Julian Nagelsmann has created for himself with his early decision.

‘If you bring a Manuel Neuer, you have to let him play. But he no longer justifies it in sporting terms.

Head Coach Julian Nagelsmann already confirmed that Neuer is his number 1 for the tournament

‘With pain in the heart, but with common sense he should have stayed at home.’

There is speculation that 32-year-old goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen should become Germany’s number one, but Nagelsmann stands by his choice. Neuer was named undisputed number 1 in March.

In May, Neuer came under fire for spilling a tame effort into the path of Real Madrid’s Joselu, which gave the Spanish side a late equalizer against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final that defeated Carlo Ancelotti’s side eventually won.

Germany have never changed their first-choice goalkeeper at a major tournament, but any further mistakes from the 38-year-old could force fans and the media to speak out more loudly about a shake-up.

Neuer earned his 118th national team cap in their 2-1 win over Greece, but there is one moment he will not remember fondly from the match.

Just after the half-hour mark, Bayern Munich’s stopper spilled a simple shot straight into the path of Giorgos Masouras, who took advantage of the mistake to give the Greeks the lead.

Kai Havertz and Pascal Gross scored second-half goals for the Euro 2024 hosts ahead of their opening match of the tournament against Scotland on Friday evening.

Neuer came under fire for spilling a tame effort into the path of Real Madrid’s Joselu in May

There is speculation that Marc-Andre ter Stegen should be Germany’s best goalkeeper

This summer’s European Championships will be Neuer’s eighth tournament for Germany named goalkeeper of the tournament during their World Cup success ten years ago.

After Scotland, Germany will face Hungary and Switzerland in their bid to reach the knockout stages of the tournament.