Nagelsmann has reportedly told Baumann that Neuer will be Germany’s World Cup No. 1
| Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images |
After Sky Germany reported at the weekend that Manuel Neuer is set to come out of international retirement for the World Cup, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has now informed Oliver Baumann of his decision, according to Bild.
Baumann was Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper throughout the entire qualifying campaign and appeared set to start at the World Cup until this sudden change of plan.
Despite being understandably disappointed by the decision, the Hoffenheim goalkeeper reportedly made it clear to Nagelsmann that he will remain available for selection even if Neuer returns as the No. 1 as planned.
Neuer is currently nursing a minor injury picked up in Bayern Munich’s 5-1 win over 1. FC Köln at the weekend, which has put him in doubt for the DFB-Pokal final against VfB Stuttgart this Saturday. However, the 40-year-old's World Cup participation is not expected to be in danger.
The Bayern veteran has made 124 appearances for Germany and initially retired from international football after Euro 2024.
