Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 10y

Germany boss Joachim Low: Manuel Neuer approach is future for football

Germany boss Joachim Low believes Manuel Neuer is changing the way goalkeepers approach the game.

- Toe Poke: MP ready to wrestle ex-Germany keeper Wiese

Neuer, 28, was one of the key stars in the German side that claimed the World Cup this summer, with his "sweeper keeper" role during the 2-1 victory over Algeria in the round of 16 attracting widespread attention.

Low has now toldĀ German football magazine kicker that the Bayern Munich man is setting a new trend for keepers.

"With our goalkeeper we had an 11th outfield player," he said. "I believe that Manuel Neuer is sparking a change in world football.

"It's not just that he makes clearances outside his box in extremis. More importantly, he is the first person to start the play at the back, and orchestrates the others. That's the future for football.

"I have already seen in a few Bundesliga games that the keeper has stood much further up the field than in the past."

Low, who has been in charge of Germany since 2006, also highlighted the importance of Toni Kroos to the Nationalmannschaft.

He said the midfielder, who left Bayern for Real Madrid in the summer, had developed "from a young and talented player to a man, a mainstay of the team, and an absolutely integral player" since Euro 2012.

He added: "His thinking and his behaviour are very professional and mature, and he radiates that on the pitch.

"I have rarely seen a player with his nerve -- actually, he has never heard of nervousness in a negative sense, it's just a positive tension. Moreover, he has outstanding technique and great playing intelligence. You can play him in every team from one day to another."

Low also vowed to keep faith with Lukas Podolski, who does not appear to be first choice at Arsenal at present.

"I don't know in detail what Arsene Wenger's plans for him are, but for Lukas it is important to feel there is absolute support and trust," Low said. "I hope that at Arsenal he plays a role similar to the one last season."

Podolski started 14 Premier League games and made six substitute appearances during the 2013-14 campaign, despite several injuries, and scored six goals.

"Lukas always steps up in the decisive moments and he gives his all for the national team all the time," Low added. "The energy he puts on the training pitch is enormous, and on a fundamental level he has potential that not many other players have. I know that there are situations in which Lukas is very valuable for us."

^ Back to Top ^