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Football
Manuel Neuer’s anticipated inclusion in Germany’s World Cup squad has ignited controversy, with former internationals criticizing coach Julian Nagelsmann’s decision amid concerns over team unity and goalkeeper performances.
Germany’s World Cup squad announcement on Thursday is expected to feature Manuel Neuer, despite ongoing debates about his role and impact on team cohesion. Former Germany international Dietmar Hamann has publicly criticized the decision, labeling Neuer’s return as a significant risk.
Hamann, speaking in an interview with Absolut Fußball, warned that selecting Neuer could divide the squad. He suggested many players outside Bayern Munich support goalkeeper Gregor Kobel Baumann, and expressed concern about potential unrest within the team. "Picking Neuer could split the squad," said Hamann, emphasizing the importance of unity ahead of the tournament.
Despite Nagelsmann’s previous endorsements of Baumann as Germany’s number one goalkeeper, Neuer’s recent Champions League performance against Real Madrid has intensified speculation about his comeback. Reports from Sport Bild indicate that key Bayern players and several senior internationals have advocated for Neuer’s inclusion, reducing fears of a divided locker room.
Neuer’s return agreement with Nagelsmann, revealed by Sky, contrasts with earlier assurances given to Baumann about his starting role. Hamann questioned this reversal, recalling Neuer’s costly mistakes in past tournaments and the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid. “He played a key role in us being knocked out early in Russia and Qatar,” Hamann stated, acknowledging Neuer’s good saves this season but highlighting his errors.
Adding to the criticism, former international Max Kruse condemned Nagelsmann’s reinstatement of Neuer on the eve of the World Cup. During a Twitch livestream, Kruse suggested Nagelsmann had never fully committed to Baumann, instead waiting for Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s recovery. Ter Stegen’s injuries and surgeries, including a patellar tendon tear and back operation, led to his absence from the tournament after a recent thigh injury.
Kruse summarized his view: “Nagelsmann just waited to see if ter Stegen would recover. When that didn’t happen, he went back to Neuer.”
Despite Baumann’s removal from the squad, he reportedly expressed disappointment to Nagelsmann but offered to serve as Neuer’s backup. Neuer’s fitness remains uncertain following a new calf injury sustained during the Bundesliga’s final match against 1. FC Köln, adding to previous minor calf tears this season.
Jonas Urbig replaced Neuer in that match and is expected to travel to the World Cup as a training partner. Alexander Nübel of VfB Stuttgart is anticipated to complete the four-goalkeeper roster alongside Neuer, Urbig, and Baumann.
