Germany’s final preparation for the 2018 World Cup started in South Tyrol, Italy at the end of last month. Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer returned to training after spending the majority of last season on the sidelines due to a foot injury.
Neuer was with the Germany camp when Real Madrid defeated Liverpool 3-1 in the Champions League final in Kiev on May 26th. The 32-year-old was watching the European final with other German goalkeepers in Italy.
Loris Karius made two errors that saw Real Madrid score the opener and the third goal of the final. The former Mainz custodian was subjected to heavy criticism by a section of Liverpool supporters, former players and pundits after the match.
Belgian publication Het Laatste Nieuws interviewed Neuer and asked him about Karius’ howlers in the Champions League final against Real Madrid.
Neuer and Bayern finished as runners-up in every competition they played in the 2011/12 season. He was also part of the Germany squad that lost in the semi-final of the Euro 2012. The Bundesliga goalkeeper cited his own experience of going through pain back in 2012.
“I remember the European Championships in 2012: I lost that summer with Germany in the semi-finals and finished second with Bayern in all competitions. Fortunately, Karius is still young. He can still hit finals, it would be worse if he were 34 years old,” he explained.
