Manuel Neuer’s return to the German national team continues to cause controversy. While critics question national coach Julian Nagelsmann’s decision, Lothar Matthäus has once again taken a clear stance – and formulated a clear message in the process
Hardly any other topic has been discussed more intensively in recent weeks than the surprising return of the Bayern captain. After his retirement from the DFB team, the goalkeeping issue seemed to be settled before Nagelsmann brought back the 2014 world champion shortly before the World Cup
The current calf injury in particular is causing additional discussion. Neuer has already missed the DFB Cup final with FC Bayern as well as the start of the World Cup preparations. Nevertheless, Matthäus has no doubts as to who will be in goal when he is fully fit
Matthäus sees no open goalkeeper question
In his Sky column, Germany’s record international made his stance unmistakably clear: „He has been able to train on the pitch again in goalkeeping terms. It’s quite simple: if Neuer is fit, he plays. If he’s not fit, he doesn’t play, period. There’s no discussion at all,“ explained Matthäus
For the 65-year-old, it is therefore clear that Neuer is still the clear number one in the German national team, and he believes that Oliver Baumann’s performance does not change this
The fact that Neuer could possibly start the World Cup without any test match minutes does not worry Matthäus either
„I’m also not worried if he goes into the World Cup with a cold start. He has so many years as a professional behind him and knows the team,“ emphasized the former world champion
Matthäus also pointed to the large number of Bayern professionals in the DFB squad, which alone means that quick integration is not an issue
Duty against the USA still open
It remains unclear whether Neuer will be back between the posts for the World Cup dress rehearsal against hosts USA on Saturday
German coach Julian Nagelsmann has recently emphasized that no risks will be taken with the calf injury and that the focus is clearly on getting the 40-year-old fit in time for the World Cup opener against Curaçao
Should Neuer continue to be unavailable, an experienced substitute is available in the shape of Oliver Baumann, who impressed in the recent 4-0 win over Finland and enjoys the full confidence of the coaching team
For Matthäus, however, this does not change the hierarchy. As soon as Neuer is fully fit, there will be no more discussion as to who will be in goal for Germany at the World Cup.