Feuding goalkeepers hint at a deeper malaise in Germany’s squad | Jonathan Wilson

Joachim Löw’s attempt to rebuild squad has hit trouble as shown by spat between rivals for the No 1 shirt

M arc-André ter Stegen played for Germany in the 2-2 friendly against Argentina on Wednesday but when it comes to a competitive fixture, against Estonia on Sunday, it will be Manuel Neuer back in goal. And so for the moment an uneasy peace has broken out but one that feels indicative of far wider tensions as Joachim Löw attempts to remodel his squad.

Ter Stegen’s frustration is understandable. With Neuer injured, he had been a regular before the World Cup only to be left out for the tournament. Neuer, having not even played for Bayern Munich since damaging his metatarsal the previous September, struggled in Russia. His form has recovered to some extent, although he is still not the commanding figure he once was, and has remained Löw’s first choice. As a result, between the World Cup and the Argentina game, Ter Stegen, despite being in probably the form of his career for Barcelona, played for a total of 135 minutes in the friendlies against Peru and Serbia.

Related: Germany face long road back to top after Joachim Löw’s drastic overhaul | Marcus Christenson

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