The discussion surrounding the goalkeeping question in the German national team has been given new impetus, triggered once again by Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury – and the associated reflex to bring Manuel Neuer’s name back into the game
FC Bayern did not ignore the issue either, with coach Vincent Kompany taking a stand at the press conference on Saturday ahead of the Bundesliga home match against TSG Hoffenheim – and clearly categorizing the debate
First of all, the all-clear was given from a sporting perspective at Säbener Straße. Neuer, who had to take a break on Friday due to a stomach bug, is back in team training. „If that happens, which I think it will, Manuel Neuer will train today. Then we will have the full squad available,“ explained Kompany. This means that the captain is once again an option for the clash against Hoffenheim – so there is no cause for concern in sporting terms
Kompany wants to keep the focus on FC Bayern
Nevertheless, the match against TSG will also be a symbolic focus of public attention, as Oliver Baumann, of all people, will be the goalkeeper on the opposite side of the pitch who has increasingly taken center stage following Neuer’s retirement from the national team in the summer of 2024. For many observers, the face-off is another chapter in the never-ending goalkeeping debate surrounding the DFB team
Kompany, however, made it unmistakably clear that he does not want to take part in this discussion. When asked about a possible DFB comeback for his captain, the Belgian was deliberately cautious. „No. Manu is my age. I can recommend some things and give advice, but these things are very personal,“ explained the Bayern coach. Neuer has enough experience to know for himself which steps are right. „He has enough experience to make his own decisions. And they will be the right decisions.“
For Kompany, the focus is clearly on the club. „The most important thing for me is that he maintains his level, that he enjoys soccer. Everything else is talk for the German people and the experts,“ he made clear. It is clear between the lines: the Bayern coach does not want to put pressure on Neuer or allow himself to be drawn into a debate that, in his view, does not affect everyday life at FC Bayern
Clear voices against a DFB comeback
Voices outside Munich are also increasingly critical of a renewed flare-up of the discussion. Former national team player Markus Babbel recently made his views very clear. „I hope that even the last person has now understood that Manuel Neuer won’t be coming back,“ said the 53-year-old. Neuer had made a conscious decision to end his career with the national team. Babbel described further speculation as „total humbug“
Instead, he expressly expressed his confidence in Oliver Baumann, saying that the Hoffenheim captain had impressed in his international matches so far and had been a stable back-up. Even a possible mistake in the direct duel with Bayern would not change that. For Babbel, Baumann is „the number one in Germany“
Goalkeeping legend Sepp Maier also argued along similar lines. The 1974 world champion was annoyed by the recurring discussion. „The topic is a bit annoying. Whenever something happens, people immediately call for Manu,“ criticised Maier. In his view, the national team needs calm, confidence and clarity above all else – not the constant opening up of old construction sites
So while discussions continue outside Säbener Straße, the line at FC Bayern is clear. Vincent Kompany is staying out of the DFB goalkeeping issue, backing his captain and consistently looking ahead. The clear message is that Manuel Neuer himself is responsible for everything else.