Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann said his first conversation about Manuel Neuer’s national team return happened in March. He explained that informing goalkeeper Oliver Baumann about the situation was difficult because Neuer’s presence helps the team when he plays, but absences can also occur. Nagelsmann said he maintained confidence in Baumann despite the relationship taking a hit from the news. When asked about the starting goalkeeper role, Nagelsmann confirmed he is planning with Neuer as number one. He stated that Alex, Oli, and Manu are the three best goalkeepers in the country, and that Neuer’s commitment to another tournament supports the decision, with Baumann as a world-class backup option.
"We told Oli in March that we had spoken with Manu. In the end, the decision was a blow for Oli. It's never good news. When Manu plays, he helps the team. But there have also been times when he hasn't played. That can happen to us too. That's why I expressed my confidence in Oli. Manu has won so many titles, he has an aura, a huge name. Of course, Oli wasn't like, 'Ah, okay coach, no problem' - the relationship suffered a bit, of course, when you deliver news like that,"
"Yes, I'm planning with Manu as number 1. When it comes to goalkeepers, a coach's main task is really to take the three best goalkeepers. We decided that Alex, Oli, and Manu are the three best goalkeepers in the country. That's why we decided to contact Manu and ask if he would like to play for the national team again. Everyone knows what kind of aura Manuel has and what he brings to a team."
"He has committed to playing another tournament. We are planning with him as our number 1 - knowing that we have a world-class B option in Oli Baumann. The decision has been made - and for me, it is the right one,"
Read at Bavarian Football Works
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]