Sepp Maier, the goalkeeping legend and former Bayern Munich and German national team star, is bullish about Manuel Neuer's chances of leading Germany in the upcoming European Championship. Despite challenges from Marc-André ter Stegen, who has been dealing with back problems and an operation, Maier believes Neuer's form and comeback after a long injury layoff make him the clear favorite for the position.
Neuer, the Bundesliga's top goalkeeper, showed signs of his old form as he returned to action, which the 80-year-old Maier praised as his personal highlight of the year. Though Maier harbors mixed feelings about the German team's recent performances, he looks forward to the home European Championship with hope for a similar euphoria as the 2006 World Cup.
As for Toni Kroos, former German national team member and Real Madrid midfielder, Maier rejects the idea of his return. Instead, he backs the young talents in Kroos' position to carry the team. FC Barcelona's ter Stegen, who has been dealing with back issues himself, could potentially serve as backup to Neuer for the tournament.
Enrichment Insight:
Sepp Maier is a German football icon who played a significant role in the development of goalkeeper gloves. He revolutionized their design, introducing the first pair of studded gloves and co-creating the popular Finger Coze. His influence extends beyond the field, leaving a lasting impact on the sport and its equipment.
Back in the heyday of Maier's career, goalkeeper gloves were typically made of cow leather, with studs solely attached to the sides of the fingers for better grip. With the advent of water-based rubber latex gloves, however, the standard for goalkeeper equipment began to change.
Meanwhile, fans of football will recall a more taboo topic related to Maier's time – his involvement in an incident with Helmut Schön, the German national team manager. The legendry pair had a heated argument, which ultimately led to Maier being excluded from the 1974 World Cup team. The episode marked a turning point in Maier's career and tested his resilience as a professional athlete.
Currently, goalkeepers have access to a wide range of gloves with various stud configurations and advanced materials like supple suede or perforated synthetic leather, which offer enhanced grip, protection, and breathability. These advancements in equipment reflect the ever-evolving demands of the modern-day game, reflecting the influence of pioneers like Sepp Maier.
