National soccer coach Julian Nagelsmann takes a clear stance in the goalkeeping debate: The discussion would not leave Oliver Baumann, who is currently so confident, indifferent – but it would not be productive for Manuel Neuer either.
Manuel Neuer was actually unequivocal about his future in the German national football team. Comeback? There isn’t! The record goalkeeper of FC Bayern Munich and long-time DFB captain has closed the chapterThere was never any talk of a return to the World Cup in the summer in the USA, Canada and Mexico, he said a few months ago.
Nagelsmann: “I wonder why we are discussing”
But because a new comeback is still being brought into play, national coach Julian Nagelsmann is now tired of the whole thing. Not just for Oliver Baumann, who… 1-0 World Cup qualifying win against Northern Ireland saved with a brilliant parade, the discussions would also be of no use for Neuer himself: “For the peace and quiet that he needs at Bayern for his undoubtedly good performances. As far as I know, Manu has also resigned. I wonder why we discuss this for three hours every week,” said Nagelsmann.
The goalkeeper question doesn’t leave Baumann unmoved
However, the debate is particularly irritating because Baumann does his job so confidently. In his eight international matches since October 2024, he has kept four clean sheets. “Anyone who is human can well imagine that it won’t leave them completely indifferent,” Nagelsmann said on RTL.
Even if the speculation and discussions surrounding the number 1 in the national team do not leave Baumann unscathed: the TSG Hoffenheim goalkeeper seemed quite cool after the game in Belfast on Monday evening.
Praise from Jonathan Tah to Baumann: “Outstanding”
The 35-year-old was asked after the 1-0 win whether he could claim to be number one at the 2026 World Cup. “I would appeal that we should tackle the short-term goals. For me, I want to deliver a performance like today,” said Baumann. The World Cup ticket is what counts for him, not his personal World Cup prospects.
Baumann didn’t allow himself to be lured and avoided any comparison with his predecessors as number one in goal, with Neuer for example or the currently injured Marc-André ter Stegen. “As always mentioned, I want to help the team,” said Baumann.
You can rely on the keeper
Nagelsmann made it very clear: “We don’t have a goalkeeper problem at the moment.” And FC Bayern’s Jonathan Tah also supported Baumann: “As a team, we don’t really notice the situation that much. I can only say that Olli did an outstanding job. You have the feeling that there is someone you can always rely on. Even in difficult situations,” was the defender’s praise.
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Source: BR24Sport October 14, 2025 – 6:30 p.m
