Fulham star Bernd Leno has admitted he is expecting ‘one or two conversations’ with the German national team as they potentially plan for life after Manuel Neuer.
The Fulham number one has been speaking to Sky Sport Germany about the national team and whether he thinks Euro 2024 could be a catalyst for change, particularly for him.
Germany appeared to have started on an impressive new path under Julian Nagelsmann at the tournament on home soil this summer, with a series of impressive performances in the group stages led by young talents such as Jamal Musiala.
They then saw off Denmark in the round of 16 before being knocked out in the quarterfinals by eventual winners Spain, who needed a 119th minute header from Mikel Merino to win the game.
Toni Kroos has already decided to retire completely while Manuel Neuer is now 38 years old and in the twilight of his career as well.
If he decides to hang up his boots, at least on the international stage, that could benefit the Fulham man, and he believes conversations may be on the way.
“I don’t know exactly,” he said when asked if he thinks he’ll be moving up the rankings.
“I don’t know exactly how either, because after a tournament like this you’ll say a few things again, maybe you’ll build on the future or something else will happen. But in the end, everything probably depends on Manuel Neuer.
“And Manu has shown that he’s still a great player, even though there was a lot of criticism before the Euros, but I think Manu once again played at the top level at the tournament. If you trust someone to keep going, it’s Manu. So, we’ll see.
“And I think if Manu keeps going, then maybe something can change at number three or number four. But up to now I haven’t spoken to anyone about it and maybe there will be one or two conversations soon.”
