Germany return: Neuer sets condition for Nagelsmann | OneFootball

Could Manuel Neuer still stand in the German goal at the upcoming World Cup? The FC Bayern keeper is apparently waiting for a signal from Julian Nagelsmann.

Manuel Neuer has so far dampened the debate about a possible comeback in the German national team for the 2026 World Cup himself. When asked in mid-September if he would be available, the Bayern captain clearly stated: “First of all, I wasn’t asked.”

According to information from BILD, there is, however, a clear framework under which the 2014 World Champion would consider a return. The prerequisite would be a personal conversation with national coach Julian Nagelsmann. He would have to take the first step to signal to Neuer that he really wants him back in the DFB team and relies on him as number one.

The history between the two is complicated. During their time together at FC Bayern and later in the national team, Neuer and Nagelsmann worked together professionally but never had a particularly close relationship. Especially Neuer's retirement from the DFB team in August 2024 strained communication. At that time, Neuer wanted to convey his decision personally but could not reach Nagelsmann for a long time. In the end, he informed DFB sports director Rudi Völler first, and Nagelsmann only got back to him later.

Complicated Relationship Between Neuer and Nagelsmann

The relationship was even more difficult during their time at Bayern. In January 2023, Nagelsmann unexpectedly dismissed goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic, Neuer's long-time confidant and best man. The then-injured goalkeeper later spoke of a “blow when I was already down” and described the decision as the “most brutal” of his career. Nevertheless, both worked together objectively again after Neuer's long injury break in 2023. Nagelsmann had even made it clear that Neuer was planned as number one for the 2024 European Championship before he announced his retirement.

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At that time, Neuer is said to have agreed with Völler that he would be ready for the national team in an emergency if there were problems in the goalkeeper position before the 2026 World Cup. The issue could become relevant if Marc-André ter Stegen does not recover in time from his current back injury. Neuer's agent Thomas Kroth recently hinted that his client would help in an absolute emergency – under one condition: the national coach must personally approach him.

Publicly, Neuer currently wants to deliberately avoid fueling the topic. He wants to avoid speculation weakening the standing of the current number one, Oliver Baumann, or other keepers. However, it is clear: if Nagelsmann were to approach him and ask for a return, Neuer would be open to considering a comeback, according to BILD – provided the roles are clearly defined and the trust is there.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.