'There has never been such strong words within the team': Manuel Neuer reveals Germany held World Cup crisis talks after Mexico defeat and admits squad are 'mad and disappointed'

  • World champions Germany suffered a shock 1-0 defeat by Mexico in their opener
  • Manuel Neuer turned up 50 minutes late to his press conference after crisis talks
  • He said the loss provided a 'wake-up' and that strong words were exchanged
  • Neuer says everyone is responsible for the defeat ahead of must-win Sweden tie
  • Bayern Munich No 1 says Germany 'lacked courage, identity, and confidence' 

Manuel Neuer turned up 50 minutes late for his press conference on Tuesday as Germany held crisis talks in a bid to get their World Cup campaign back on track.

Joachim Low's world champions suffered a shock 1-0 defeat by Mexico in their opening game and now face a uphill battle to reach the knockout stages, starting with Saturday's must-win clash with Sweden.

And despite a dressing-room debrief after Sunday's game at the Luzhniki Stadium, heated discussions between Low and his squad have continued this week.

Manuel Neuer speaks to the media during his press conference on Tuesday after turning up 50 minutes late due to lengthy crisis talks within the German camp

Manuel Neuer speaks to the media during his press conference on Tuesday after turning up 50 minutes late due to lengthy crisis talks within the German camp

The Germany No 1 trains on Wednesday as they gear up for a huge game against Sweden

The Germany No 1 trains on Wednesday as they gear up for a huge game against Sweden

Neuer was unable to keep out Hirving Lozano's shot as Mexico pulled off a shock in Russia

Neuer was unable to keep out Hirving Lozano's shot as Mexico pulled off a shock in Russia

Neuer, who has been playing for the national side since 2009, revealed that 'there has never been such strong words within the team', while bemoaning their lack of 'courage, identity, and confidence' against Juan Carlos Osorio's side.


The Bayern Munich No 1 also admitted that the squad were 'mad and disappointed' and claimed that everyone was responsibility for the shock result.

Speaking after arriving for his press conference nearly an hour behind schedule, Neuer said: 'Sorry that we came too late. We had one more session that lasted longer. It was a wake-up call. 

'Of course, a lot can happen. There has never been such strong words within the team as after the Mexico game. A good sign. You can tell that many players want to get involved.

Neuer gave an honest assessment of the situation within the Germany camp on Tuesday

Neuer gave an honest assessment of the situation within the Germany camp on Tuesday

Germany's players appear dejected after suffering a surprise defeat in their opening game

Germany's players appear dejected after suffering a surprise defeat in their opening game

Manager Joachim Low directs his players in training ahead of their game against Sweden

Manager Joachim Low directs his players in training ahead of their game against Sweden

'We talked a lot about what we have to do better. Apart from what has been written, we ourselves are our harshest critics. 

'We are mad at ourselves and disappointed with what we showed against Mexico on the field.

'I see everyone as responsible (for the Mexico defeat). Especially the players who stood on the pitch. 

'We have many experienced players who want and need to take responsibility. That has always been the axis. 

Neuer says Germany lacked 'courage, identity, and confidence' against Mexico on Sunday

Neuer says Germany lacked 'courage, identity, and confidence' against Mexico on Sunday

Thomas Muller leads the way as Germany look to get their World Cup campaign back on track

Thomas Muller leads the way as Germany look to get their World Cup campaign back on track

'Basically you coach from the back to the front, from the inside to the outside. You can see on paper how the lineup was.

'No one has withdrawn from the responsibility. We talked a lot after the game on the bus, with every meal. We try to find points where we can start to honestly agree.

'The national coach (Low) knows what the situation is. We only have finals now. Now something must come from us. 

'We have to show what made us so strong. It's not a new team that was on the pitch. But we know we can do better. This will be shown in the next game against Sweden. 

'We lacked courage, identity, and confidence against Mexico. I can't say why. The body language was not on the pitch, and it must not happen again.'