The goalkeeping debate surrounding the German national team continues to provide plenty of fuel. Bayern and DFB legend Sepp Maier has now also spoken out – and sharply criticized national coach Julian Nagelsmann in particular
Although the former world-class keeper made it clear in an interview with SPORT1 that Manuel Neuer was still the best solution for him in the German goal, Maier could do little with the national coach’s communication. „This bickering was unbearable,“ the 82-year-old explained clearly
Nagelsmann had publicly referred to Oliver Baumann as number 1 for months before deciding to bring Manuel Neuer back shortly before the World Cup
Although Maier feels sympathy for Baumann, he leaves no doubt about his sporting assessment: „If Manuel Neuer is at 100 per cent, then he is better,“ the Bayern legend emphasized
Urbig role causes complete incomprehension
However, Maier was particularly annoyed by another decision made by the national team coach. The fact that Jonas Urbig is traveling to the World Cup, but is not officially part of the 26-man squad and is only supposed to act as an additional training keeper, really upset the former national goalkeeper. „What is a ‚training goalkeeper‘? Have they all gone mad now?“ raged Maier
With his usual dry humor, he immediately followed up: „Then Nagelsmann should just say that he’s taking four goalkeepers with him.“
Maier couldn’t resist adding another point: „The only thing missing is that he packs Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu as a penalty taker,“ joked the former world champion
In fact, the idea of an additional goalkeeper is not new in the DFB environment. Nagelsmann had already worked with four goalkeepers before the 2024 European Championship at home and even integrated Jan Reichert from 1. FC Nuremberg as a training keeper at the time
Maier sees Neuer clearly ahead despite injury
Even Neuer’s current calf problems do not change Maier’s fundamental assessment: „Of course it’s a risk,“ he admitted
Nevertheless, he believes the Bayern keeper’s return is absolutely understandable. „A Manuel Neuer with 80 percent presence is still worse for many opponents than others with 100 percent,“ explained Maier
According to Maier, Neuer’s charisma in particular is a huge factor for the team. „It’s not just any goalkeeper who comes out of the dressing room, it’s Manuel Neuer,“ enthused the Bayern legend
This presence not only helps his own team, but also impresses the opposition
Despite the DFB’s official decision, the discussion surrounding the goalkeeper issue is far from over.