„Egg dance“: Hitzlsperger criticizes Neuer debate at the DFB | OneFootball

The discussion surrounding Manuel Neuer and a possible return to the DFB goal is taking on ever greater proportions. Former national team player Thomas Hitzlsperger has now also expressed his criticism of the communication surrounding the personnel issue – and formulated an interesting suspicion in the process

The debate surrounding Manuel Neuer has been simmering ever since Julian Nagelsmann repeatedly evaded questions on the goalkeeper issue in the ZDF sports studio on Saturday evening

The national team coach did not want to comment specifically on whether the Bayern captain will actually travel to the World Cup as number one. Instead, Nagelsmann repeatedly emphasized that discussions should first be held with all players before decisions are communicated publicly

For former Germany international Thomas Hitzlsperger, however, there may be another reason behind this cautious communication

Hitzlsperger with suspicions about Neuer

In an interview with BR, the former international explained that Neuer’s injury against FC Cologne may have changed the entire dynamic. „Perhaps he intended to say that Manuel Neuer is the new number one and then he gets injured against Cologne. And then he realizes he can’t say it after all,“ Hitzlsperger speculated

The 43-year-old was alluding to the muscular problems in Neuer’s left calf that forced the Bayern keeper to be substituted on Saturday

According to Hitzlsperger, Nagelsmann was „a bit unlucky“ as a result. „But ideal preparation looks different,“ added the former international

Hitzlsperger is particularly critical of the DFB’s entire communication surrounding the goalkeeping debate. „I’ve often read the word ‚egg dance‘ in the last few days. I think that sums it up quite well,“ the former midfielder explained clearly

He made it clear that he would have expected more clarity and professionalism overall

„You actually think that only professionals are at work – also in terms of communication,“ Hitzlsperger continued

Criticism also directed at Nagelsmann’s environment

photo: Getty Images

His criticism was not directed exclusively at the national coach himself. With regard to Nagelsmann, Hitzlsperger explained: „It would be good if he had people at his side who would advise him well.“

The ex-professional is particularly critical of the past few months: „If I look back on the last few months, I would say that the advice didn’t work well,“ said Hitzlsperger

The debate will finally be over on Thursday at the latest, when Julian Nagelsmann officially announces the German World Cup squad at a press conference

By then at the latest, it will also be clear what role Manuel Neuer will actually play at the 2026 World Cup – and whether Oliver Baumann can defend his place as number 1.