Neuer for the World Cup? Nagelsmann confirms contact with Bayern goalkeeper | OneFootball

The discussion about a possible World Cup comeback for Manuel Neuer continues – now national coach Julian Nagelsmann himself has commented on the situation

Despite ongoing speculation surrounding Manuel Neuer’s return to the national team, national coach Julian Nagelsmann has put the debate into perspective. Although he is still in contact with the Bayern captain, the fundamental decision has not changed

„I always find it quite funny when the public ask me whether I’m in contact with Manu. Yes, I am. We talk on the phone from time to time, we also write from time to time. He is able to use WhatsApp, and so am I. We also have contact from time to time on other topics that go beyond soccer. We have a very good relationship,“ Nagelsmann explained on „MagentaTV“

Despite the regular exchanges, the national team coach made it clear that a comeback is currently out of the question: „Manu resigned of his own free will. He has repeated that several times now. That’s why I don’t think it makes much sense to keep discussing it.“

Neuer had announced his retirement from the national team after the 2024 European Championship at home, but the discussion has recently been reignited – especially by his strong performances in an FC Bayern shirt, such as in the Champions League first leg against Real Madrid

Baumann as the clear number one

The roles in the DFB team are now clearly defined: Oliver Baumann is the current number one and should also be in goal at the upcoming World Cup

Former national team coach Joachim Löw backed Nagelsmann and his decision: „A national team coach sometimes makes decisions based on other considerations,“ emphasized the 2014 World Cup-winning coach

photo: IMAGO

Löw also paid tribute to the Bayern keeper’s exceptional career: „And the remarkable thing is that he can still perform like this at the age of 40“

Regardless of this, the DFB’s line remains clear: Neuer is still not available – even if contact between him and Nagelsmann has never been broken off.