Germany skipper Manuel Neuer is gutted after his side’s shock elimination in the 2018 World Cup. Neuer insists the past glories doesn’t impress him now and he is disappointed the way the journey ended this time.
The defending champions’ shambolic tournament came to a resounding end on Wednesday.
South Korea claimed a 2-0 victory in Kazan to ensure Germany finished bottom of Group F. With that, Germany also joined the list of the ‘Champions cursed’ list. After Spain, Italy and France, they also have been dumped out in the group stage following victory in the previous edition of the tournament.
And, Manuel Neuer insists Die Mannschaft cannot dwell on past achievements:
“We had it in our own hands, but we did not make it. To revel in the past brings us nothing, that’s bitter and pathetic. Even if it had worked today, there would have been halts in the knockout phase. We just did not deserve it. We did not really convince in any game. Of course, it is very disappointing,” Goal quoted Neuer as saying.
The German captain didn’t want to give any kind of excuse:
“We need to analyse this and it has to be said very clearly that we just do not deserve it. Even after the three games, you have not seen in any game that there was a German team on the pitch, in front of which one has fear or respect. I’ve always tried to take responsibility, always tried to take the team. In the locker room, during training and on the pitch. Of course, I am also responsible for it.”
“Even if we had made it in the last 16, everyone would have liked to play against us. How should we be dangerous to an opponent if we deliver such performances?” he concluded.
Germany – of all teams – are heading home with their heads hung low.