DFB.de: Were you annoyed that you conceded in the World Cup semi-final?
Neuer: 7-0 is a better result than 7-1. We achieved something unprecedented that day, some would say a perfect game. But we conceded. So it wasn’t perfect.
DFB.de: Poland took the lead on Saturday when you came off your line but didn’t claim the ball. Do you feel the goal was your mistake?
Neuer: It wasn’t easy for me. The cross from Piszczek was well hit. I could see that the attacker had a free header so I came out to challenge him. I aimed to get to the ball before him, but he beat me to it. I had to be careful because Piszczek could have shot from where he was stood, so I couldn’t come out too far.
DFB.de: Poland probably didn’t deserve to make it 2-0. Did the result give you a sleepless night?
Neuer: No. We played well, but need to make fewer mistakes. We know how well we can play and what we need to do. As a defensive unit we spoke about it and with the coach. This internal processing is important.
DFB.de: Yesterday you opened a community centre (MANUS) in Gelsenkirchen. What does this encompass?
Neuer: We’ve been working on projects for the more disadvantaged children in the Ruhr area for years. Two years ago we decided to create a central contact point for MANUS. We found a great property next to my old school: We renovated it and ensured that there is a home away from home for the children. I had a lot of fun during yesterday’s visit.
DFB.de: Mr Neuer, I’d like to start by talking about what makes you angriest …
Manuel Neuer: Glares back.
DFB.de: Conceding goals.
Neuer: Glares back.
DFB.de: What sort of goals annoy you the most? Do personal mistakes play a role in your choice?
Neuer: I can’t stand conceding goals; it’s as simple as that. The worst ones decide matches. Conceding a match winning goal in injury time is incredibly frustrating, as is losing your clean sheet when 4-0 up, but in a different way. The former is the sort of goals which are most annoying – mistakes in the build up mean nothing.
DFB.de: Does the importance of the goal play a role?
Neuer: Of course.
DFB.de: Were you annoyed that you conceded in the World Cup semi-final?
Neuer: 7-0 is a better result than 7-1. We achieved something unprecedented that day, some would say a perfect game. But we conceded. So it wasn’t perfect.
DFB.de: Poland took the lead on Saturday when you came off your line but didn’t claim the ball. Do you feel the goal was your mistake?
Neuer: It wasn’t easy for me. The cross from Piszczek was well hit. I could see that the attacker had a free header so I came out to challenge him. I aimed to get to the ball before him, but he beat me to it. I had to be careful because Piszczek could have shot from where he was stood, so I couldn’t come out too far.
DFB.de: Poland probably didn’t deserve to make it 2-0. Did the result give you a sleepless night?
Neuer: No. We played well, but need to make fewer mistakes. We know how well we can play and what we need to do. As a defensive unit we spoke about it and with the coach. This internal processing is important.
DFB.de: Yesterday you opened a community centre (MANUS) in Gelsenkirchen. What does this encompass?
Neuer: We’ve been working on projects for the more disadvantaged children in the Ruhr area for years. Two years ago we decided to create a central contact point for MANUS. We found a great property next to my old school: We renovated it and ensured that there is a home away from home for the children. I had a lot of fun during yesterday’s visit.
DFB.de: Your projects often focus on equal opportunities. When did you first realise this was an issue?
Neuer: It’s something you start to see as a child. I began to see that some of my school friends couldn’t order the newest textbooks or come on the school trips. Some kids used to wear the same clothes nearly every day. Worst of all, some rarely had something to eat. AS a child you see it but it doesn’t register with you. Today I have a different view and understand the problem more. We try to help as many of these children as possible.
DFB.de: You were a star before the World Cup and had many requests for help. After Brazil, everything has increased. It’s impossible to everyone, so how hard is it to say no to someone?
Neuer: We deliberately chose to focus on one area. We aim to help disadvantaged children in Germany. It’s great because you get to see the difference we make.
DFB.de: You have returned to Gelsenkirchen with the national team once before – a 6-2 victory over Austria. Is returning there special for you?
Neuer: Firstly, we look forward to playing in front of our own supporters once again. For me it is always special to play there. It’s nice to visit home.
DFB.de: You come from Gelsenkirchen and will be captaining the World Champions in a game there tomorrow. What do you make of this?
Neuer: I’m going to be very proud. It is a dream come true. Once the game starts I need to focus. Being World Champions doesn’t give us a head start. We know we need to concentrate as everyone wants to beat us.
DFB.de: The World Champions occupy fourth place in Group D after two games. Does this worry you?
Neuer: There’s always pressure – and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The supporters expect us to win every match and perform well. This may not be the case; we know other teams can play well. But, obviously we are confident. We know what we can do. The game against Ireland won’t be easy but we think we have a good plan. I am confident that we will come away with three points.
