Hoeneß urges Neuer's return to Germany squad: "He has to play" | OneFootball

The discussion about the goalkeeper question in the German national team is gaining momentum. Now Uli Hoeneß has also clearly positioned himself – and advocates a comeback from Manuel Neuer.

At an appointment in Munich, the honorary president of FC Bayern made it clear that he still considers the 39-year-old to be the best keeper in Germany. "The best have to play at a World Cup. And Manuel is the best. That's why he has to play there, if he's healthy," Hoeneß emphasized.

Speculation about a comeback

With this, Hoeneß supports the recent statements by Neuer's advisor Thomas Kroth. In an interview with the Frankfurter Rundschau, he explained: "He is in top shape, absolutely delivering his performance. If Julian Nagelsmann sees a problem in the position, Manuel is healthy and would be asked - then Manu will certainly not say no."

Photo: IMAGO

Neuer retired from the DFB team after the home European Championship in 2024, after 124 international matches his international career seemed to be over. The current situation around Marc-André ter Stegen, however, brings the topic back to the table.

Nagelsmann had actually clearly decided on the Barcelona keeper as number 1. But after a back surgery, ter Stegen will be out for months - and his role at Barça is also unclear. Since he is currently not getting any match practice at the club, a change in the winter is likely.

"In my thoughts, I know that Marc will come back in December, then will play the two games in March, in June as well, and then will play the World Cup," Nagelsmann recently explained. However, he also made it clear: Playing time in the club is a prerequisite for World Cup participation.

Baumann convinced, Neuer remains a topic

In the recent qualifying matches, the national coach trusted Oliver Baumann from TSG Hoffenheim. The 35-year-old impressed with strong parades, among others against Slovakia. Nevertheless, the Neuer issue remains omnipresent - also because he continues to show world-class performances at FC Bayern.

Whether there will actually be a spectacular comeback now depends on several factors: the development of ter Stegen, Nagelsmann's decision - and Neuer's own willingness. That he would not decline in case of a request seems clear at least since the statements by Kroth and Hoeneß.

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