Nagelsmann’s Germany goalkeeper U-turn sparks controversy

Just a few days before he is due to announce his World Cup squad, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has reportedly made a U-turn and decided to call up Manuel Neuer as his No. 1 for the tournament – provided the Bayern veteran didn't suffer a serious injury against 1. FC Köln at the weekend.

Neuer actually retired from international duty after Euro 2024, but there has been ongoing speculation ever since about whether the 40-year-old could reverse his decision, particularly after his designated successor Marc-André ter Stegen suffered another injury setback.

However, while Neuer consistently dismissed questions about a potential comeback, Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann played the whole World Cup qualifying campaign.

According to Abendzeitung, Baumann was assured by Nagelsmann during the March international break that his status as first-choice goalkeeper wouldn't change, regardless of whether Neuer would be called up for the World Cup.

However, it appears Nagelsmann has since gone back on that promise and reportedly informed Baumann of his decision in a phone call on Tuesday. 

Although disappointed, the 35-year-old is said to have accepted the decision and told the DFB coach he remains available for the tournament as second choice.

“Breach of trust”

Nagelsmann’s decision has drawn criticism from some German pundits, with former DFB goalkeeper Jens Lehmann describing it as a “breach of trust” towards Baumann in an interview with Bild.

“Other players may also start questioning whether they can trust the national team coach’s statements,” Lehmann said.

The former Arsenal goalkeeper added that while competition is part of the game, it is essential for players to have “clarity” and be able to “rely on the coach”.

Germany legend Lothar Matthäus also addressed the situation in his latest column for Sky Deutschland, arguing that while bringing Neuer back makes sense from a sporting perspective, the process should have been handled better.

“From a purely sporting perspective, this consideration is completely understandable to me. What I don’t like, however, is the way it has been communicated,” Matthäus stated.

“Nagelsmann has taken a path that may have been the right one for him, but it has triggered unnecessary discussions. I don’t personally blame him – the issue concerns the entire DFB. Experienced decision-makers work there. Such situations should have been avoided early on," he continued.

“They could have spoken to Oliver Baumann weeks or months ago and told him: ‘You are my number one, but if Manuel Neuer performs and stays fit, you will also understand that we want to take him. Because we have a responsibility to bring the best players for Germany.’ That would have been honest and transparent.”

Sammer on Baumann: “I don't feel sorry for him at all”

Matthias Sammer, meanwhile, argues that bringing back Neuer is the right decision, insisting that if he is the best option and available for selection, he should play.

“Excuse me: are we on a leisure excursion, or are we in high-performance sport, where the brutality of such decisions can sometimes seem absurd to people on the outside at first glance? Because the goal must be to have the best goalkeeper at this moment in time,” Sammer told Sky, adding that he considers Neuer the best option in goal.

When asked if he feels sorry for Baumann, the former German international replied:

“Not at all. First of all, he is a wonderful person, as I perceive him. He had a good season in Hoffenheim. They didn’t achieve their big goal – even though they were constantly in a position to qualify for the Champions League – but he is a good goalkeeper.

“It may be unfair, but that’s just how it is. With goalkeepers there is even less room than with other players, so I don’t feel sorry for him at all. What matters to me is: Germany must make the best decision. And if it involves him, I congratulate him. If it doesn’t, I congratulate the other. But the best option is Manuel Neuer,” Sammer concluded.

Nagelsmann will announce his full Germany squad on Thursday.