Not spoken to consultants
© Imago
Manuel Neuer has again ended speculation about a comeback in the national team for the 2026 World Cup. “But the fact is that I decided not to play for the national team anymore,” said FC Bayern goalkeeper after 5: 0 (4-0) against Hamburger SV at “Sky”. When asked whether it will definitely remain with this decision, the 2014 world champion replied without hesitation: “Yes.”
Neuer’s consultant Thomas Kroth recently had hopes for a return of the long-standing DFB captain with statements from the fans. “He is in top shape, absolutely does his performance. If Julian Nagelsmann sees a problem in the position, Manuel is healthy and asked – then Manu will certainly not say no,” said Kroth of the “Frankfurter Rundschau”. Neuer, who will be 40 years old at the time of the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, explained to the consultant statements: “We didn’t talk about it.”
His successor, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André Ter Stegen, fails for months after a back operation. At FC Barcelona, after years as a trivial goalkeeper, he only threatens the reservist role. For the qualification games until November, national coach Julian Nagelsmann has appointed Hoffenheimer Oliver Baumann number one. The 35-year-old had already represented Ter Stegen after his knee surgery, through which he had missed a total of six caps in the Nations League.