Müller supports Neuer return as Germany’s No.1 for World Cup

After announcing his international retirement following Euro 2024, Manuel Neuer has returned to Germany’s squad for the upcoming World Cup.

Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann was the undisputed starter throughout the qualifying campaign, but will now have to settle for a place on the bench at the tournament, with head coach Julian Nagelsmann having made it clear that Neuer will be Germany’s No. 1.

For Thomas Müller, who played alongside Neuer for many years at both Bayern Munich and with the German national team, the decision is the right one.

“Yes, absolutely, because we want to have the best goalkeepers there,” Müller told the Bild podcast “Bayern Insider”.

“Of course there is a debate – Olli Baumann has been performing really well and is a great goalkeeper – but if you have access to Manuel Neuer and have seen how well he performed on the biggest stage this spring, then in my view you have to take him as your No. 1."

“But that doesn't diminish Oliver Baumann’s ability," he underlined.

On the criticism Nagelsmann has faced for the way he communicated the decision, Müller said:

Addressing the criticism Nagelsmann has faced over how the decision was communicated, Müller said: 

“On the topic of communication, I tend to agree with Matthias Sammer: we are professional athletes and there are decisions and disappointments, and that is part of it. 

"If we want to be successful again, we can't get stuck in discussions about whether someone received information too early, too late, or with the wrong facial expression.”