News Focus
- Julian Nagelsmann stays silent on Manuel Neuer’s possible Germany comeback
- Bayern Munich captain reportedly ready to end his international retirement
- Oliver Baumann remains confident he is the first-choice goalkeeper
- Germany will announce their final World Cup squad on May 21
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has refused to confirm media reports about Manuel Neuer’s return to the national team. The Bayern Munich goalkeeper retired from international duty, but speculation suggests he could play at the World Cup.
Sky Germany reported on Saturday that the 40-year-old is prepared to reverse his decision. This depends on his recent injury not being serious. Neuer left the pitch during Bayern’s 5-1 victory against 1. FC Köln.
Nagelsmann appeared on the ZDF television programme “Aktuellen Sportstudio”. He would not give a clear answer when asked about Neuer’s comeback.
“I always telephone the player first. I have not called him yet,” Nagelsmann explained. “I promised to contact every player who was important during my time. I must make approximately 62 phone calls.”
When journalists asked if his silence means Neuer will travel to the tournament, Nagelsmann replied, “You can interpret this however you wish.”
“I communicate directly with my players. They receive the information first. The public will learn everything in good time,” he added.
The coach also refused to discuss the 55-player preliminary list submitted to FIFA. “The list is private. I cannot comment on it,” he stated. “However, there are many names included. We must list every eligible player with a German passport. Some players on the list have never trained under me. We use this list to build the final squad.”
Meanwhile, Oliver Baumann remains the current first-choice goalkeeper. The Hoffenheim player has started every World Cup qualifying match for Germany.
Baumann addressed the rumours on Saturday. “I know what Julian told me in our private conversation. He has expressed his trust in me. That is final,” he said.
“I feel very confident about the World Cup preparations and the tournament itself,” Baumann added.
Germany will reveal their final squad on May 21.