Neuer back for Germany? Here’s what Bayern teammate Pavlovic says | OneFootball

Will Manuel Neuer return to the DFB goal? His Bayern teammate Aleksandar Pavlovic is questioned about it by the national team.

Manuel Neuer is once again delivering world-class performances for FC Bayern this season. After his long injury break, the 39-year-old has made an impressive comeback and is once again a rock-solid presence in goal for Munich. This has repeatedly fueled speculation about whether he might return to the German national team—despite Neuer himself having emphasized several times that his DFB career is over.

Now, teammate Aleksandar Pavlovic has also commented on the ongoing rumors. The 21-year-old midfielder expressed his admiration for the veteran during a media session with the national team: “Well, you always wish to have Manu in goal. I know that, and you know that too, that he is a world-class goalkeeper. But ultimately, that’s up to the coach. I can’t really say much about it.”

When asked if he thought Neuer could be persuaded to make a comeback, Pavlovic replied: “Well, you should actually know. You’ve probably already asked him, right? Who knows, you never know.” With that, the youngster left at least a small door open—fully aware that his teammate has recently chosen very clear words himself.

Neuer closes the door on a DFB comeback

In recent weeks, Neuer has publicly stated several times that his chapter with the national team is closed. After FC Bayern’s 5-0 victory over HSV, he made it unmistakably clear: “The fact is, I have decided not to play for the national team anymore.” When asked again, he emphasized: “Yes,” the decision is final.

Nevertheless, there have always been voices calling for his return. Agent Thomas Kroth, for example, explained that Neuer would be ready if national coach Julian Nagelsmann requested him, provided he was fit. Bayern honorary president Uli Hoeneß also publicly stated: “At a World Cup, the best have to play. And Manuel is the best.” But the keeper himself has recently given a clear rejection to such ideas.

Photo: IMAGO

For Pavlovic, Neuer remains above all a role model. The youngster trains daily with the 2014 World Cup winner and benefits from his experience. Neuer is also considered a leader in the locker room, especially as a support for the younger players.

Whether his decision could change again seems, as of now, to be out of the question. The Bayern captain’s focus is fully on the club, where he wants to shape a new era of success with coach Vincent Kompany. And the DFB officials are currently clearly relying on Marc-André ter Stegen as their number one, as soon as he returns from his back injury.

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