Former Germany defender Markus Babbel has criticised Julian Nagelsmann over his handling of the national team's goalkeeper situation ahead of the World Cup. The Mannschaft boss has selected Manuel Neuer as part of the squad despite the goalkeeper having retired from international football almost two years ago.
Julian Nagelsmann has intentionally avoided clarifying the international future of Manuel Neuer ahead of Germany's World Cup squad announcement. Despite the veteran goalkeeper’s previous retirement, reports suggest a dramatic U-turn could see the Bayern Munich legend reclaim the number one shirt for the upcoming tournament in North America.
German football icons Lothar Matthaus, Didi Hamann, and Michael Ballack have weighed in on the polarising debate surrounding Manuel Neuer’s potential World Cup return. While Matthaus acknowledges Neuer is still the nation’s best, he labelled the lack of communication with current No. 1 Oliver Baumann a "slap in the face" as the countdown to Julian Nagelsmann’s final squad announcement on Thursday begins.
The iconic Manuel Neuer is set to pull on the Germany jersey once again after agreeing to come out of international retirement for the 2026 World Cup. Despite stepping away from the national team in 2024, the Bayern Munich veteran has been convinced by Julian Nagelsmann to reclaim his spot as the number one.
Bayern Munich legend Manuel Neuer is edging closer to a sensational international comeback after being included in Germany's 55-man preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup. Despite retiring from international duty following Euro 2024, the 40-year-old goalkeeper has held concrete talks with Julian Nagelsmann regarding a return as the national team’s number one, with a final decision expected ahead of the official squad announcement on May 21.
The World Cup has been the home of some of the very best players in football's history so it is little surprise that the subject of the best goal at the tournament is so hotly debated. Diego Maradona, Pele, and even Benjamin Pavard would put forward their own arguments for the prize, but which of them come out on top, if any?! GOAL guides you through the 15 best goals in the World Cup finals.
This is Legacy, GOAL's feature and podcast series that counts down to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world's game. In this edition, we dive into how Julian Nagelsmann is trying to make Germany... Germany again. For years, the national team has drifted away from the identity that made them world champions in Brazil just 12 years ago. Now, their head coach is determined to restore it.
Jurgen Klopp is not a candidate to replace Alvaro Arbeloa at Real Madrid, despite persistent rumors linking him to Santiago Bernabeu. The former Liverpool manager remains committed to his role as Global Head of Soccer for Red Bull while eyeing the German national team job as his next coaching step. Real Madrid are currently exploring other profiles as they look to move on from a difficult campaign.
Jurgen Klopp has thrown his support behind Germany's Florian Wirtz to become one of the defining figures of the upcoming World Cup in North America. The former Liverpool boss believes his compatriot has already proven his mettle during a challenging debut campaign at Anfield and possesses all the attributes to dominate on the global stage.
Deniz Undav currently plays a supporting role under Julian Nagelsmann, yet Jurgen Klopp is highly impressed by the VfB Stuttgart striker. The former manager of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund revealed in an interview with Bild that he is a fan of the striker.
Bayern Munich have been dealt a devastating blow following the news that Serge Gnabry is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The German giants confirmed the winger has suffered a serious adductor injury that could see him miss the upcoming World Cup in North America.
National coach Nagelsmann has outlined his tournament squad less than four weeks before the squad is announced. Thanks to “his Lena”, Undav can hope again, while another debate has finally been put to bed.
Sami Khedira has launched a fierce defence of Germany goalkeeper Oliver Baumann following persistent media speculation regarding a potential international return for Manuel Neuer. The 2014 World Cup winner argued that the ongoing debate has actively harmed the squad’s preparation and undermined the confidence of the current first-choice option heading into the summer tournament.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has issued a formal apology to Deniz Undav after his controversial public assessment of the striker’s performance last month. The former Bayern Munich boss admitted his comments regarding the VfB Stuttgart star were too blunt and has moved to clarify their relationship ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Oliver Kahn insists he has been misinterpreted, and that his remarks about national team player Jamal Musiala possibly missing the World Cup have been taken out of context.
Oliver Kahn believes Manuel Neuer should walk away from football on a high if Bayern Munich secure the Champions League trophy this season. The legendary former goalkeeper questioned whether his successor truly needs to endure one last World Cup campaign in his 40s.
Former international Dietmar Hamann (52) has criticised Julian Nagelsmann (38). With the World Cup this summer in mind, he accuses the national team manager of two things in particular: his handling of so-called squad players and a lack of presence.
Manuel Neuer remains the world's best after a vintage display in Bayern’s 2-1 win over Real Madrid. While experts demand his World Cup return, it has been claimed Julian Nagelsmann is blocking the legend's international comeback. Despite the pressure, the coach's stance prevents Neuer from reversing his retirement for the tournament.
In the Champions League match against Real Madrid, Manuel Neuer proved to be the match-winner for FC Bayern Munich with a series of brilliant saves. Afterwards, the 40-year-old skilfully deflected questions about a return to the German national team.
Germany
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