DFB director Oliver Bierhoff has rejected the criticism of the Bayern leadership to Uli Hoeneß and Karl -Heinz Rummenigge on dealing with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer by the leadership of the German national football team. "The charges surprise me, and I have no understanding," said Bierhoff.
The 51-year-old sees no reason that Joachim Loew in the current goalkeeping dispute must redefine the order of the 33-year-old captain Neuer and Marc-André ter Stegen (27) from Barcelona. "The coach has said at the end of last year that he builds on Manu until the European Championship, if nothing extraordinary happens, I do not know if you have to repeat it all the time, especially since Manus recently shown performances speak for him," said Bierhoff : "And at the same time, the coaches also see the outstanding performance of Marc-André ter Stegen, who will receive his missions."
Bierhoff does not fear a conflict potential for the national team: "No, both are human and footballing absolute enrichments of our team," he said.
Gratitude alone is not a determining factor
The allegation of lack of support for Neuer from Munich, the DFB director back: "At the highest level is primarily about performance, as gratitude alone is not enough as a crucial criterion for a call to the national team, but just Jogi Löw brings the He was already criticized for playing against him, and he was criticized for having been holding on to deserved players for too long. "
Especially at Neuer "one should not forget that Jogi waited until the last second before the World Cup in Russia on Manu, who had previously failed for months .. He was contrary to some critical voices, the number one in Russia, is our captain after the upheaval , has played through the twelve internationals since the World Cup ten times completely.These are clear and very decisive statements of the coaches. "