In a recent interview uploaded on the DFB’s official website, Bayern Munich and Germany captain Manuel Neuer spoke about 2018 as a year in German football, and its many ups and downs. The interview was covered in an article by Bild.

Neuer feels optimistic about the future for this new look German team with a lot of new youth faces.

We have a new spirit in the team, but also new speed and witty playfulness. These are good ingredients for a successful future. My review for 2018 is this: I’m looking forward to 2019.

Speaking about the reputation of the National team, he conveyed that the situation could definitely be better, but there is enthusiasm and optimism within the squad:

As a national team, we’ve lost a lot of credibility. This was shown by the reluctance of the fans in the games against Russia and the Netherlands. But I’m sure that we’ll liberate ourselves from this valley. The excitement in the team is huge, and we’ll do everything to make the excitement about the team big again.

Joachim Löw has recently played Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sané alongside Timo Werner on the national team’s offence, and Neuer’s teammates Joshua Kimmich in midfield and Niklas Süle in central defense. When asked whether the new look team is a change to the ‘exciting’, Neuer replied: “The new composition leads to a new dynamic in the team that is of benefit to everyone.”

BFW Analysis

Neuer’s statements are pretty accurate. 2018 was a year to forget for everyone associated with the German National team. Spools of controversy and stories of discontentment from the locker room were commonplace even during the course of the world cup, and the aftermath was calamitous, with blame being thrown around like confetti.

The DFB ‘investigating’ trivial matters like whether the national team is to be called ‘Die Mannschaft’ or something else hasn’t really helped in any way. The future definitely looks bright though, and with youngsters like Kai Havertz, Serge Gnabry, Julian Brandt, Niklas Süle, Timo Werner, Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka ready to carry the beacon forward and experienced veterans like Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels and Toni Kroos also in the mix, the squad looks healthy and ready to take on the world in the upcoming years. German football feels rejuvenated. It’s now time to bring back success.