Manuel Neuer hits back at critics

It has been a rough couple of days for Manuel Neuer. The once unthinkable has happened: The goalkeeper for Bayern Munich and Germany is having his status as the starter for club and country come in doubt and under attack a bit.

From Lothar Matthäus to Barca Blaugranes to Bavarian Football Works’ own Phillip Quinn, Neuer has come under a bit of fire.

Like any top-tier athlete, however, Neuer is dismissing the criticism and exercising self-belief at a time where many are questioning his performance, along with that of his teammates for both club and country as captured by kicker:

I’m totally fit and have no problems. I feel good, also with respect to my foot. I’m in good form. Except for the situation with the 0-1, I was happy with my game, but recently it’s just been that I haven’t had a situation where I can shine.

Joachim Löw has given Neuer a public endorsement and the veteran goalkeeper is expected to start against France tomorrow. Should Neuer falter, however, the calls for Marc-André ter Stegen will get even louder.