'No decision out of nostalgia': Löw speaks plainly on the Neuer debate | OneFootball

The discussion about a possible comeback of Manuel Neuer to the German national team continues to gain momentum. Now, former national coach Joachim Löw has also spoken out—and given his successor Julian Nagelsmann a clear piece of advice in this heated debate.

“If Manuel Neuer continues to play at this absolute top level, as we have recently seen and have known for many years, I am sure that Julian Nagelsmann is keeping an eye on it,” Löw explained in BILD.

However, he made it unmistakably clear that a return of the Bayern goalkeeper should not happen for emotional reasons: “It must not be a decision made out of nostalgia, but should be decided purely on sporting grounds. I am sure that Julian is considering bringing Manuel back.”

The 65-year-old praised the current form of the Bayern keeper, but also emphasized that the right timing is crucial: “With an eye on the 2026 World Cup, he will make a decision, and timing will also play a role. If there is to be a Neuer comeback, it makes sense to have Manuel involved in the last games before the World Cup. Julian will certainly consider this option.”

Löw knows from his own experience how difficult such decisions are—and how important the right moment for a comeback can be.

Löw Sees Parallels to Müller and Hummels

Photo: IMAGO/Eibner | Photo: IMAGO/Eibner,

During his own tenure, Löw had to master similar situations several times—for example, with the return of World Cup winners Thomas Müller and Mats Hummels, who were dropped in 2019 and then brought back into the squad for Euro 2021.

“The national coach makes the decision, so he would have to approach Manuel. If Julian decides that it makes sense, he must seek the conversation,” Löw explained.

“It was similar for me with Mats Hummels and Thomas Müller. We said: There was a decision, but for certain reasons we would revise it. It was about who could help the team at that moment for the tournament.”

Löw also emphasized that a national coach must always think ahead—but should remain flexible: “If the situation requires it, sometimes you are forced to make decisions that you did not plan a year and a half earlier.”

Nagelsmann Leaves the Door Open

Julian Nagelsmann himself recently emphasized that a comeback “as things stand” is not an issue, but the door for Neuer is not completely closed. “It is not advisable to talk about all possible scenarios that can occur in football. Things can always happen that require certain measures,” he explained before the 4-0 win against Luxembourg.

The national coach also confirmed regular contact with the Bayern captain: “I have a good relationship with Manuel. I cannot predict what the future will bring.”

The fact is: If Neuer maintains his current top form, Nagelsmann will not be able to postpone the decision about a possible DFB comeback for much longer—and Löw’s advice is likely to play a significant role.

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