German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann has not ruled out a possible comeback by Manuel Neuer at the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States. He said he wants to speak with the players first before making a decision. Neuer himself appeared relaxed and is focused on the DFB Cup final.
Nagelsmann stressed in the ZDF Sportstudio that talks with the players had not yet taken place. He avoided a clear statement five days before the squad announcement on 21 May. Sky Sport had previously reported that Neuer would return provided no unforeseen problems arise.
Neuer was cautious after Bayern Munich’s final Bundesliga match. He said a World Cup comeback is not a topic for him right now. The 40-year-old was substituted after an hour against 1. FC Köln due to a calf complaint and wants to avoid any risk ahead of the cup final.
Lothar Matthäus sees Neuer’s chances of playing at the World Cup rather positively. He called the goalkeeper the best in Germany. Neuer had recently extended his contract with Bayern until 2027 and had been the number one at every major tournament since 2010.
