Muller keen to ‘wrap things up’
Goalkeeper Neuer unsure of Gelsenkirchen reception
Germany forward Thomas Muller is expecting two things from tomorrow’s clash with Austria – that he plays and that Germany win.
The Bayern Munich forward met the media yesterday as the German national team continued their preparations for what could be a decisive Euro 2012 qualifier in Gelsenkirchen.
A win for Joachim Loew’s side would guarantee them a place in Poland and the Ukraine next summer and Muller expects nothing else at the Arena AufSchalke.
“We need to wrap things up, but there are not really any doubts about that and we should be happy come Friday night with three more points for Germany,” he said.
“Let’s not under-estimate them – they will be motivated and we expect a tough game, but I think we are well prepared.”
Muller’s own position is under threat from Mario Goetze, who was superb for Borussia Dortmund recently, and Andre Schurrle, who has adapted well to his new surroundings at Bayer Leverkusen.
Nevertheless, the top goalscorer at last year’s World Cup does not expect to lose his place in Loew’s starting XI.
“I see myself as a regular in the team,” he said.
“Obviously there are younger players coming through as Loew wants to heat up the competition for places. But my aim is to perform to my ability and, if I can do that, then I will play.”
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s position as number one is no longer as solid as it was with rookie Ron-Robert Zieler showing his potential in the Bundesliga.
“He definitely deserves to be nominated as our third goalkeeper,” admitted Neuer.
“He has played well for Hannover and is giving good impression in training.
“Then there is (Marc-Andre) ter-Stegen, of Borussia Moenchengladbach, and that guy Bernd Leno at Leverkusen.
“It reminds me a bit of when there was Michael Rensing, Rene Adler and I coming through.
“Germany certainly does not need to be concerned about not having a good goalkeeper.”
Neuer’s only other concern is the way he will be greeted onto the field at the Arena AufSchalke after leaving his home-town club to join Bayern Munich this summer.
However, he expects the fans in Gelsenkirchen to get behind Germany and put their team allegiances to one side.
“I can only cite the example of the Brazil game in Stuttgart where Christian Trasch played and he was not jeered,” said Neuer.
“But I don’t know what reception I will get.”