Neuer reacts after Sky report claims he will be part of Germany’s World Cup squad | OneFootball

Bayern Munich veteran Manuel Neuer is expected to come out of international retirement to become Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper at the World Cup, according to Sky Deutschland.

Provided the injury the 40-year-old suffered in Saturday’s 5-1 win over 1. FC Köln is not serious, he will be part of Julian Nagelsmann’s squad for the tournament, the German outlet reports.

“For me, that’s not an issue today,” Neuer told Sky Germany when asked about a possible return to the German national team for the World Cup.

“I’m completely relaxed about it. Today we’re celebrating the championship. Next week I have a very important match with the DFB Cup final.”

When asked whether a World Cup appearance is ruled out for him, Neuer replied:

“You don’t need to know that.”

He added that while he has remained in regular contact with Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, there has been no contact in recent days.

“We’ve had contact all year, just like with other former coaches and officials. Nothing special there,” said Neuer.

The 40-year-old was taken off in the second half of Bayern’s win over Köln as a precautionary measure.

“I felt something in my calf, so I didn’t want to take any risks, also with next week in mind. That’s why I preferred to say I was feeling something,” he explained.

Baumann: "He has expressed his trust in me"

Marc-André ter Stegen was expected to succeed Neuer after the latter's international retirement in 2024, but recurring injuries have instead opened the door for Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann as Julian Nagelsmann’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Baumann was asked about Neuer’s reported return to the Germany squad after Hoffenheim’s 4-0 defeat to Borussia Mönchengladbach and told Sky:

“There’s not much for me to say from my side. I have my information from my conversation with Julian (Nagelsmann). 

"It was a private one-on-one conversation. I’m going into the World Cup preparations, and then the World Cup itself, very confidently.

“He has expressed his trust in me. Period," Baumann underlined.