Oliver Baumann says losing Germany No. 1 to Neuer 'wasn't exactly cool' | OneFootball

Oliver Baumann admitted the blow of being replaced as Germany's No. 1 by Manuel Neuer. "It was tough at first. It wasn't exactly cool," he said. He was speaking to RTL.

Baumann deputised on Saturday in a 2-1 friendly win over the United States, after which head coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed Neuer's imminent return.

Although Baumann had started through World Cup qualifying, the 40-year-old Bayern legend has been restored as first choice after reversing his international retirement. He is set to return from a calf injury in time for Germany's opener against Curaçao next Sunday.

"It was immediately clear to me that I would put myself at the service of the team. This is a World Cup – I want to help the team and make my contribution. Everything else is secondary," he said.

Nagelsmann also praised Baumann's conduct in recent days and weeks, noting he had put the team first.

Source: BuLi News