The return of Manuel Neuer to the German national team’s goalkeeping position for the upcoming World Cup is causing significant discussion and attracting criticism.
When head coach Julian Nagelsmann announces his official squad for the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico on Thursday (1 PM), Manuel Neuer’s name is almost certain to be included. This development is unlikely to please Dietmar Hamann. The ever-critical former German international views the imminent return of the 40-year-old Bayern Munich goalkeeper, after a two-year absence, as a major ‘danger,’ as he clearly stated in an interview with Absolut Fußball.
According to Hamann, ‘a Neuer nomination could drive a wedge into the team.’ He added, ‘I am quite sure that among the non-Bayern players, there are many who support Baumann. We cannot afford any further unrest,’ said the 52-year-old TV pundit.
Initially, Nagelsmann had consistently expressed his trust in Oliver Baumann in recent weeks and months, repeatedly emphasizing that the TSG Hoffenheim goalkeeper would be the number one for the World Cup. However, Neuer’s outstanding performance, particularly in the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid, has led to an increase in voices and rumors regarding a potential comeback for the goalkeeping icon who had retired after the home European Championship.
At least according to Sport Bild, the danger of a wedge, as warned by Hamann, being driven into the DFB team by Neuer’s return is said to be relatively low. This is because not only Bayern Munich’s senior players are reportedly advocating for the 40-year-old’s return to Nagelsmann, but also some key players of the national team who do not play for the record champions.
Manuel Neuer Nearing DFB Return: Hamann Recalls Mistakes Against Real Madrid
A significant development followed on Saturday when Sky reported that Nagelsmann had indeed agreed to Neuer’s return for the monumental tournament, despite all of Nagelsmann’s promises to Baumann. This is a step that Hamann finds difficult to comprehend, especially considering Neuer’s recent history with the national team and two rather notable errors in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid.
‘He was significantly involved in our early exits in Russia and Qatar,’ Hamann fumed. ‘Yes, Neuer has kept well this season. But he also made mistakes against Real in the Champions League quarter-final second leg. One must not forget that.’ He also stated, ‘I am far from claiming that he will definitely play an above-average tournament.’
Nagelsmann’s Wait for ter Stegen Proved Fruitless: Max Kruse Expresses Explosive Suspicion
In addition to Hamann, another former national player, Max Kruse, has voiced strong criticism regarding Nagelsmann’s approach of recalling Neuer as the number one and sidelining Baumann so close to the World Cup. ‘For me, it’s an absolute no-go to open this can of worms on the final matchday,’ Kruse said during a Twitch livestream, also expressing an explosive suspicion.
In his opinion, Nagelsmann did not seriously consider Baumann as the World Cup’s number one, but rather hoped for Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s recovery. Nagelsmann had virtually guaranteed the Barcelona goalkeeper, who has been plagued by injuries, a starting spot for the World Cup after Neuer’s retirement. However, the situation for the 34-year-old dramatically shifted.
First, he tore his patellar tendon, then he lost his starting position at Barca and underwent back surgery. To gain playing time, he moved to FC Girona on loan in the winter. However, after only two convincing appearances, he received more bad news: ter Stegen suffered a severe thigh injury and had to go under the knife again. He has not played a game since the end of January and will therefore miss the World Cup.
‘What I personally believe is that Julian Nagelsmann was simply waiting to see if Marc-Andre ter Stegen would become fit. That is not the case. And that’s why he decided to take Manuel Neuer along,’ Kruse speculated.
Urbig and Nübel to Complete Nagelsmann’s World Cup Goalkeeping Quartet
Despite his demotion shortly before the World Cup finals, Baumann is said to have expressed extreme disappointment to Nagelsmann but signaled his availability as a backup for Neuer, who has also been prone to injuries this season.
Neuer’s participation in the upcoming Saturday’s DFB-Pokal final against VfB Stuttgart remains questionable due to a recent calf injury sustained in the last Bundesliga match against 1. FC Köln. Prior to this, the goalkeeper had already been hampered by three minor calf tears during the season.
Jonas Urbig, who according to consistent media reports will also travel to the World Cup, will serve as a backup, though primarily in the role of a training partner. Alexander Nübel from VfB Stuttgart is expected to secure the third goalkeeping spot in the squad.