Nagelsmann puts the brakes on Neuer: USA call-up still open | OneFootball

Manuel Neuer will have to be patient. The FC Bayern captain will miss the German national team’s test match against Finland. National coach Julian Nagelsmann deliberately left it open as to whether the 40-year-old will be back between the posts for the World Cup dress rehearsal against the USA

Speaking on ZDF ahead of the clash with Finland, Nagelsmann commented on the current situation of the Bayern keeper, who is still working through the consequences of a calf injury. The national coach made it clear that the DFB does not want to take any unnecessary risks

„The longer we give the hardened structure time, the better it is. We don’t need to take any risks,“ explained Nagelsmann

DFB relies on patience with Neuer

However, the decision not to play Neuer in Finland is not exclusively for medical reasons. At the same time, Nagelsmann also wants to reward Oliver Baumann for his performances in the successful World Cup qualifiers

„But it’s also about rewarding Oli Baumann. He played a very good World Cup qualifier for us because he contributed very well and embodies a great team spirit,“ emphasized the national coach

The Hoffenheim man will therefore have his next opportunity to showcase himself against Finland. Baumann was originally even earmarked as the number one for the World Cup before Nagelsmann surprisingly decided to bring Neuer back

Decision before USA game at short notice

It is not yet clear whether Neuer will be ready to return for the last test before the start of the World Cup against the USA

When asked about this, Nagelsmann refused to commit himself: „Yes, as I’ve already said, we’ll decide next week.“

For now, the focus is entirely on the Finland game and only then will the Bayern goalkeeper’s medical development be reassessed

World Cup opener has priority

photo: Getty Images

One thing is clear: at the DFB, everything is currently geared towards the start of the tournament in North America. Germany open their World Cup campaign in just under two weeks, by which time Neuer should be fully fit again with as few setbacks as possible

From FC Bayern’s point of view, the cautious tones from Herzogenaurach are also likely to be received positively, as the Munich team want to stabilize their captain in the long term after the physically demanding past few months and not jeopardize him by playing him prematurely

Baumann, meanwhile, has the chance to once again promote himself at the highest level, with Nagelsmann making it clear before the game that he has full confidence in the 35-year-old

„I hope he plays an outstanding game,“ explained the national coach

The final decision on Neuer’s comeback is likely to be made in the coming days, but the clear plan remains unchanged: the Bayern captain should be ready for action again by the start of the World Cup at the latest.