Relationship between Neuer and Nagelsmann: „The tablecloth has been cut“ | OneFootball

Manuel Neuer’s comeback to the national team is off the table. Now the reasons behind it are becoming clearer – and they apparently have to do with Julian Nagelsmann

The discussion about a possible return of Manuel Neuer to the German national team is finally over. After Marc-André ter Stegen was injured, speculation briefly arose – but nothing will come of it

For Lothar Matthäus, there is a clear reason for this: the record international sees the relationship between Neuer and national team coach Julian Nagelsmann as a decisive factor

„This tablecloth is so cut up that even the best tailor can’t sew it back together,“ Matthäus explained on Sky

The statements suggest that the relationship between Neuer and Nagelsmann was already strained during their time together at FC Bayern, with the separation from goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic being one of the reasons

This decision caused a great deal of unrest at the time. Neuer was considered a close confidant of Tapalovic and is said to have viewed the separation critically. Even afterwards, there were repeated reports of a difficult relationship between player and coach

DFB focuses on new solutions

Irrespective of this, the DFB has long since realigned itself. The national team will go into the upcoming tournament with Oliver Baumann, while a new number one is being sought for the long term

In addition to Marc-André ter Stegen, young goalkeepers such as Jonas Urbig, Alexander Nübel and Noah Atubolu are also among the candidates for the future

photo: IMAGO

Neuer himself has recently emphasized several times that a comeback is not an option for him. His future at FC Bayern also remains open. The 40-year-old has not yet made a decision on a possible contract extension – a career end in the summer is also not ruled out

In any case, the national team chapter seems to be closed for Neuer for good – and the reasons for this apparently go beyond purely sporting aspects.