Oliver Kahn has spoken out clearly against the return of Manuel Neuer as the German national team’s number one. The former world-class keeper backed Oliver Baumann – and warned national coach Julian Nagelsmann of the consequences of changing goalkeeper at short notice
Speaking on SPORT1-Doppelpass, Kahn was less than enthusiastic about the current discussions surrounding a possible Neuer return for the 2026 World Cup
„If Julian is now suddenly thinking about making a quick goalkeeper change, then of course that’s adventurous,“ explained the former Bayern boss
Kahn clearly backs Baumann
For Kahn, one thing is certain: Nagelsmann has already publicly committed himself to Oliver Baumann as number one. „The national coach makes the decisions – not the player,“ emphasized the former national goalkeeper
A sudden rethink could therefore be dangerous – especially for the coach’s credibility within the team. „The players will naturally ask themselves: how credible and reliable will statements be in future?“ warned Kahn
The 55-year-old is particularly critical of the timing of the debate: „It should have been cleared up much, much earlier,“ said the former world goalkeeper
Neuer injury intensifies the discussion
Neuer’s current calf problems have added further fuel to the fire. The Bayern captain had to be substituted in the 5-1 defeat against 1. FC Köln. According to a club statement, the 40-year-old is once again suffering from muscular problems in his left calf
Last season, Neuer had already had to take several breaks due to muscle injuries
For Kahn, this raises further questions: „If Nagelsmann had planned to take him with him and now he’s injured – what are you telling Oliver Baumann?“ the former Bayern keeper asked provocatively
Nagelsmann under pressure
The discussion about the German number 1 is increasingly becoming a political issue. While Sky recently reported that Neuer should go to the World Cup as number 1, Nagelsmann evaded a clear answer in the ZDF sports studio
Kahn showed little understanding for this. „Where does that leave us?“, the former national keeper said clearly. For him, sticking with Baumann would be the more logical and credible solution. Especially as the Hoffenheim man had enjoyed the confidence of the national coach throughout the World Cup qualifiers and had shown consistently solid performances
Nagelsmann will announce the final decision on May 21 when the official World Cup squad is named.