Serious allegations against Nagelsmann: Is Neuer a 'thorn' in the DFB team?

Julian Nagelsmann Manuel Neuer

Manuel Neuer's return to the German national team's goal for the World Cup continues to cause a stir – and is bringing out the usual critics.

When Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann unveils his official World Cup squad for the USA, Canada and Mexico on Thursday (1pm), Manuel Neuer's name is expected to be on the list. That decision is sure to draw criticism from former Germany international Dietmar Hamann. The outspoken former Germany international told Absolut Fußball that the 40-year-old Bayern Munich goalkeeper's return after two years out represents a "major danger".

In his view, "picking Neuer could split the squad": "I'm sure there are plenty of Baumann backers among the non-Bayern players. We can't risk any more unrest," the 52-year-old TV pundit stated.

Nagelsmann had repeatedly backed Baumann, the TSG Hoffenheim shot-stopper, to travel to the World Cup as Germany's number one. However, after Neuer delivered a standout performance in the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid, speculation about a potential return for the goalkeeping icon—who had retired after the home European Championship—has grown. 

However, Sport Bild claims the risk of a rift is low. It reports that not only key Bayern players have lobbied Nagelsmann for Neuer's return, but also several senior international stars who do not play for the record champions.

FC St. Pauli 1910 v FC Bayern München - Bundesliga

Manuel Neuer is poised to return to the DFB setup, and Hamann has reminded observers of his costly error against Real Madrid.

Saturday's bombshell, reported by Sky, revealed that Nagelsmann and Neuer had agreed on a tournament return—despite Nagelsmann's assurances to Baumann. Hamann struggles to understand the decision, given Neuer's recent international record and two high-profile errors in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real.

"He played a key part in us being knocked out early in Russia and Qatar," Hamann railed. "Yes, Neuer has made some good saves this season. But he also made a blunder in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real. We mustn't forget that." He added that he was "far from claiming that he will definitely have an above-average tournament".

Marc-Andre ter Stegen Germany 2025

Nagelsmann's wait for ter Stegen proved fruitless, and Max Kruse has now raised a provocative suspicion.

Joining Hamann, former international Max Kruse has strongly criticised Nagelsmann's decision to reinstate Neuer as first-choice goalkeeper and demote Baumann so close to the World Cup. "For me, it's an absolute no-go to reopen this can of worms on the final matchday," Kruse said during a Twitch livestream, also voicing a provocative suspicion.

In his view, Nagelsmann had never seriously considered Baumann as the number one for the World Cup; instead, he had been hoping for Marc-Andre ter Stegen's recovery. After Neuer's retirement, Nagelsmann had virtually guaranteed the injury-plagued FC Barcelona shot-stopper a starting berth at the World Cup, but then the 34-year-old's fortunes took a dramatic turn.

First he tore his patellar tendon, then he lost his place in Barca's starting line-up and underwent back surgery. Seeking game time, he moved on loan to Girona in January. After two encouraging outings, though, fresh misfortune struck: another serious thigh injury sent him under the knife once more. He has not played since late January and will now miss the World Cup.

"I think Nagelsmann just waited to see if ter Stegen would recover. When that didn't happen, he went back to Neuer," Kruse concluded.

FC Bayern München Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final Second Leg

Urbig and Nübel round out Nagelsmann's four-man goalkeeping contingent for the World Cup.

Although Baumann was dropped from the squad shortly before the World Cup finals, he is reported to have told Nagelsmann he was deeply disappointed yet still willing to serve as Neuer's backup. The Germany captain has once again been injury-prone this season.

Neuer's participation in next Saturday's cup final against VfB Stuttgart remains in doubt after he suffered a fresh calf injury during the Bundesliga match against 1. FC Köln; it is the fourth minor calf tear he has endured this season. 

Neuer's replacement against Köln, Jonas Urbig, is reportedly set to travel to the World Cup as a training partner, while VfB Stuttgart's Alexander Nübel is expected to occupy the third goalkeeper slot.