Nagelsmann’s decision
The German coach, Julian Nagelsmann, convinced 40-year-old Manuel Neuer to come out of inactivity and return to the national goal for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The decision displaces Oliver Baumann, who until weeks ago was considered the owner.
“We told Oli in March that we had a meeting with Manu,” Nagelsmann explained. The coach acknowledged that Neuer’s return was “a blow” for the 35-year-old Baumann.
“I ask for understanding because I cannot go into every detail of the conversations. I try to explain a lot and take people with me. Sometimes I succeed worse, other times better.”
Baumann has more than 500 games in the Bundesliga. Although the news affects him, he is expected to maintain his professionalism. Marc-André ter Stegen, designated as the natural successor, has suffered injuries and only played two games for Girona.
Neuer played his last game for Germany at Euro 2024, against Spain in the quarterfinals. His recent performance with Bayern Munich, especially against Real Madrid in the Champions League, increased the pressure to include him.
The only concern is his recurring injuries. Neuer came off early in the final Bundesliga game and Bayern said he “must take a break for the moment due to muscle problems in his left calf.” His participation in the German Cup final is in doubt.
The call
The DFB began to announce the World Cup roster one by one. Joshua Kimmich, Deniz Undav, Nico Schlotterbeck, Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala already have their place. Musiala impressed as he recovered from a broken leg.
“He is healthy, he is fit and he will help us a lot to play a good World Cup,” Neuer said about Musiala.
Serge Gnabry was ruled out due to injury. Lennart Karl, his young teammate at Bayern, was included after recovering.
Four-time champions Germany will face Ivory Coast, Ecuador and Curacao in Group E. Preparation will begin on May 27 in Herzogenaurach, with friendlies against Finland and the United States.
“I think we are well prepared,” Nagelsmann said. “We have to let our actions speak.”
