"I've earned some respect" – Oliver Baumann on stepping up as Germany's No. 1 goalkeeper | OneFootball

While Marc-André ter Stegen has been sidelined by one injury after another, TSG Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann has stepped up to guard the German goal with impressive consistency.

With just a few months to go before the World Cup, the 35-year-old is the favorite to start in goal for Germany in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

“In the end, it’s the national team coach’s decision, but yes: it currently feels like being number one,” Baumann told Süddeutsche Zeitung.

Describing himself as the “best Oli Baumann there has ever been,” he feels his performances during the World Cup qualifying campaign have helped him earn that recognition.

“I believe I’ve already earned some respect during the World Cup qualifiers. By the time other teams do their opponent analysis at the World Cup, they’ll see that this Baumann isn’t too bad at all,” he said, noting that his experience is a major advantage.

“Basically, it’s about making as few mistakes as possible over a career, and when you do make them, learning from them. I’ve experienced nearly every situation and made almost every mistake by now.”

“I just don’t have his skills”

Baumann honestly admits he can't match the level of Manuel Neuer, Germany’s longtime No. 1, who retired from international duty after the 2024 Euros.

“I just don’t have the skills he brings. But who does?” said the Hoffenheim goalkeeper.

The 35-year-old believes Neuer “revolutionised” goalkeeping and admits he would have liked to emulate him.

“But at some point, I realised it wasn’t possible,” Baumann said, adding that Neuer’s style “can’t be copied.”

Instead, he chose to work on developing his own style as a goalkeeper.

“If you assume that my development is never really finished, then there’s no limit to development. It should never just be about maintaining a level, otherwise you’ll eventually fall behind. Improve, improve, improve – even now, at 35: that’s what it’s about," he stressed.