With the return of Manuel Neuer, the hierarchy in the goal of the German national team has shifted once again. Oliver Baumann, who until recently was intended to be number one and impressed in the World Cup test matches, has to move back into second place. After the win against the USA, the Hoffenheim player spoke openly about his feelings and his relationship with the Bayern captain
The German national team successfully completed their World Cup dress rehearsal. Oliver Baumann once again stood between the posts in the 2:1 win against the USA and put in a solid performance. Nevertheless, it is likely to be his last appearance at this World Cup for the time being
After the game, national coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed that Manuel Neuer should return in time for the start of the tournament. The 40-year-old will therefore return to team training next week and celebrate his comeback in the opening game against Curacao
Baumann speaks openly about his disappointment
This is a difficult situation for Baumann. After all, the TSG Hoffenheim goalkeeper had been the number one for months. It was only the surprising return of Neuer that fundamentally changed the starting position
Accordingly, there has recently been speculation as to whether the decision could cause tensions within the goalkeeping team
After the success against the USA, Baumann was remarkably honest. The 36-year-old admitted that the development had affected him at first. „Of course it was tough at first, it wasn’t entirely cool from my point of view,“ explained the goalkeeper in an interview with RTL
A statement that seems understandable, as Baumann had taken on the responsibility in recent months and earned his role through consistent performances
Nevertheless, the Hoffenheim man made it clear that personal disappointments no longer play a role
„Everything is clear between us, everything is clean“
Baumann was particularly clear about his relationship with Manuel Neuer. He does not want to hear about possible tensions between the two goalkeepers. „Everything is clear between us, everything is clean,“ Baumann made clear. „I get on well with Manu. And it’s not about me either. It’s about the team.“
This underlines Baumann’s professional attitude. Despite the disappointing sporting development, he puts the interests of the team above his personal situation. „I want to help the boys and do my bit,“ added the goalkeeper
These are important signals for the German national team, as the mood within the squad plays a decisive role, especially at major tournaments
Manuel Neuer, on the other hand, is about to make his return to the pitch. The Bayern captain has recently been struggling with calf problems and was therefore unable to play in either of the two preparation matches
The DFB deliberately took a cautious approach to training the veteran, and everything now seems to indicate that the 2014 World Cup winner will be fit in time for the World Cup opener
If, contrary to expectations, there are still problems, Julian Nagelsmann can at least rely on a goalkeeper who has impressively demonstrated his qualities in recent weeks. Oliver Baumann’s statements also show that the goalkeeping issue has apparently long since been resolved internally – and that the team is united behind the decision to select Manuel Neuer as number 1.