Vincent Kompany refuses to tell 'special' Manuel Neuer whether to return to Germany national team for World Cup

"The German national team's goalkeeper situation is rather uncertain at the moment. A third major injury for the eternally unlucky current No.1, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, has put his participation, let alone his fitness, for the 2026 World Cup into serious question. Now DFB manager Julian Nagelsmann has to seriously entertain the possibility of a new No.1 for Germany for the World Cup. But who could it be? Are Oliver Baumann and/or Alexander Nübel, the two main goalkeepers called up to the squad in the past when Ter Stegen was unavailable, good enough? Or should a third candidate be selected?"

""The situation hasn't changed. Manu is the same age as me. I can give him bits of advice sometimes. But he's got enough experience to make his own decisions," Kompany said, as captured by @iMiaSanMia. "He's a special person and a special goalkeeper. I want him to enjoy the way he's performing right now. Everything else is for the media to discuss.""

Marc-Andre ter Stegen's third major injury leaves his participation and fitness for the 2026 World Cup in serious doubt. DFB manager Julian Nagelsmann must consider a new first-choice goalkeeper for Germany. Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nübel have been the primary alternatives when Ter Stegen was unavailable, but neither is an undisputed solution. Manuel Neuer remains a recurring name despite his 2024 international retirement and his refusal to return. Vincent Kompany advised allowing Neuer to enjoy his current performances and said wider speculation belongs to the media. A Neuer comeback appears highly unlikely, though links will persist while he keeps playing.

Read at Bavarian Football Works