Oliver Baumann is currently number one in the German goal as long as Marc-André ter Stegen is out. For the World Cup in the coming year, this constellation would not be the right solution, says Bastian Schweinsteiger. He also brings the name Manuel Neuer into play.
Esther Sedlaczek is back at the ARD microphone after a baby break-and, together with TV expert Bastian Schweinsteiger, revives the debate about the place in the goal of the German national team. National coach Julian Nagelsmann had actually clearly committed himself to Oliver Baumann as number one when he was known-the goalkeeper from TSG Hoffenheim was also in goal in the first game of the World Cup qualification in Slovakia. He should do that until Marc-André Ter Stegen is fit again after his back surgery. The keeper of FC Barcelona fails for several months.
Schweinsteiger fundamentally finds this decision understandable. “This is correct in the current situation. Baumann has performed well with Hoffenheim and also in the national team. If Ter Stegen is healthy again, the number one will be number one,” said FC Bayern player.
But what if Ter Stegen does not come back in time? Or then do not collect enough playing time, after all, he was degraded to number three in Barcelona. Schweinsteiger asked Sedlaczek whether Baumann would be the right tram goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup for such a case. “For me it is like that, I see which goalkeepers in the world have a German passport. Manuel Neuer is number one for me,” replies the expert.
“Many ex-players say that he has this aura”
For weeks, the name Manuel Neuer has been called again and again by outsiders with regard to the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. So now Schweinsteiger is also strong for the Bayern star. “At the club World Cup, he has proven which world class he radiates. Many ex-players say that he has this aura and this world class. I would then bring him to the national team.”
Schweinsteiger sees the possible charm for a comeback in any case. “Once you’ve become world champion, you want to have the chance again,” he said. Record national player Lothar Matthäus had recently spoken out to seek contact with Neuer in case of doubt. “If Ter Stegen gets fit and get game practice, he is number 1. Otherwise I see Manuel Neuer, if he is available, as our goalkeeper at the World Cup,” said Matthäus “Sport Bild”. Goalkeeper legend Sepp Maier has also campaigned for Neuer’s comeback.
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