Felix Magath has taken a clear stance in the World Cup goalkeeper controversy – and left no doubt about Manuel Neuer as the German national team’s number one. The former Bayern coach even expressed his surprise that the discussion is being held at all
Speculation surrounding Manuel Neuer’s possible return to the DFB goal is currently rife, with Sky recently reporting that national coach Julian Nagelsmann is planning to use the Bayern captain as number one at the 2026 World Cup
While Nagelsmann recently kept a low profile in the ZDF sports studio, Felix Magath has now become clear. The former Bayern coach can apparently hardly understand the public debate surrounding the goalkeeper issue. „I don’t know at all why we are discussing this situation. It’s a mystery to me,“ Magath told BILD
For the 72-year-old, the matter is clear: „You normally go to a World Cup with the best you have,“ he emphasized
And for Magath, Neuer still belongs in this category despite his age
„Manuel Neuer is the best“
The former Bayern coach also referred to his own experience with the 2014 World Cup winner: „I believe that Manuel Neuer is the best. I trained him myself,“ said Magath
The former master coach particularly emphasized Neuer’s exceptional abilities: „I know what skills he has, he knows what skills he has,“ the 72-year-old continued
Age plays no role at all for him: „You have to go by performance and not by any other data like age or anything like that,“ said Magath
Decision lies with Nagelsmann
At the same time, Magath made it clear that his statements should in no way be taken as criticism of Oliver Baumann
The Hoffenheim keeper has done an excellent job with the DFB: „He has also played a great season and has kept the goal wonderfully clean for the national team,“ explained Magath
Nevertheless, he still sees Neuer on a different level: „Manuel Neuer is exceptional,“ the former coach made clear
The final decision will now have to be made by national coach Julian Nagelsmann. The discussion surrounding the German number 1 is increasingly becoming a political issue. While numerous experts such as Oliver Kahn have recently backed Baumann, Magath is clearly in the Neuer camp
His conclusion is clear: „If I, as a soccer fan, want to see our German team in America, then I would like to see the best players.“