From Lothar Matthäus’ perspective, the relationship between national coach Julian Nagelsmann and Manuel Neuer is one reason why the FC Bayern goalkeeper no longer wants to return to the national team.
“This tablecloth is so cut up that the best tailor can no longer sew it together,” said record national player Matthäus on the “Sky90” program. Nagelsmann worked at FC Bayern Munich before becoming national coach.
Neuer has ruled out a comeback several times, which has been discussed again and again with a view to the World Cup in the summer. The 2014 world champion withdrew from the DFB selection after the 2024 home European Championship.
The now 40-year-old has not yet decided whether he will renew his expiring contract with the German record champions in Munich.
“Neuer is one of the best in the world”
“Manuel Neuer is one of the best in the world,” said Matthäus (65) and, referring to Oliver Baumann, Neuer’s successor as current number one, added: “The others are not among the five best in the world.” In total, Neuer played 124 international matches.
In FC Bayern’s 3-2 win after a 2-0 deficit at SC Freiburg on Saturday, he returned to goal after a small muscle fiber tear in his left calf. On Tuesday, Munich will play Real Madrid in the quarter-final first leg of the Champions League.
