Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has confirmed Manuel Neuer as the team's primary goalkeeper for the upcoming World Cup, ending a long-running debate over the position.
The decision was announced ahead of Germany's penultimate friendly match against Finland on Sunday in Mainz.
Neuer, the veteran Bayern Munich goalkeeper, will miss the fixture at the MEWA Arena alongside Arsenal forward Kai Havertz, allowing Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann to start instead.
Neuer is currently managing a minor calf issue through individual running and strength sessions at the training camp in Herzogenaurach.
Despite Baumann starting throughout the qualification campaign, Nagelsmann has finalized the tournament hierarchy.
Nagelsmann's Plans for Injured Keeper and Attack
"Manuel Neuer will not play against Finland on Sunday. That was our decision, and he agreed to it.
We'll give an update on how things are looking for him ahead of the USA friendly. Oli Baumann will play on Sunday and will do well," Nagelsmann said.
The coach also monitored forward Jamal Musiala, who is recovering from a major injury and working toward full fitness for the opening match on June 14.
"He's taken important steps in recent weeks.
He intuitively does a lot of the right things – the important thing is that he plays freely and doesn't overthink things.
Even if Jamal plays at 70%, he's still better than many others. I'll be happy if he's at 100% for the first game.
He still has some time; we're not putting him under pressure. We have a brilliant partner for him in Flo Wirtz.
He doesn't have to orchestrate everything on his own. If they both work well together, we'll naturally be a better team," Nagelsmann remarked.
Nagelsmann further confirmed that Bayern Munich youngster Lennart Karl, Felix Nmecha, Aleksandar Pavlović, and Deniz Undav will receive starting roles against Finland to test different team profiles.
"He made a very good impression in training. But we have different options and profiles in Jamie Leweling and Leroy Sané," said Nagelsmann.
The manager added that the starting lineup against Finland would not necessarily mirror the opening World Cup squad, as the team focuses on establishing a tactical rhythm.
"Lenny will get his chance tomorrow to show what he can do," Nagelsmann explained.
The coaching staff also noted that the system would accommodate Newcastle forward Nick Woltemade by offering him a shorter route to the goal than he experiences in club football.
"He's had some good games for us. The way we play will suit him.
With us, he has a shorter route to goal than he does at Newcastle. It's been harder for him there to get into the penalty area.
You have to get him into positions where he can threaten the goal," Nagelsmann stated.
The manager concluded with a lighthearted note regarding a pact made with defender David Raum if Germany secures the championship trophy.
"What scares me the most is our matching tattoo if we win the World Cup," explained Nagelsmann.
Müller Defends Neuer Selection
Former international teammate Thomas Müller publicly defended the managerial decision to restore the veteran keeper to the starting role during a podcast interview with Bild.
"Yes, absolutely, because we want to have the best goalkeepers there," Müller told the Bild podcast "Bayern Insider".
Müller clarified that selecting Neuer does not minimize the strong recent performances delivered by Baumann during the qualification stages.
"Of course there is a debate – Olli Baumann has been performing really well and is a great goalkeeper – but if you have access to Manuel Neuer and have seen how well he performed on the biggest stage this spring, then in my view you have to take him as your No. 1," Müller underlined.
Addressing the public criticism aimed at how Nagelsmann handled the goalkeeper announcement, Müller dismissed concerns regarding the timing of the communication.
"On the topic of communication, I tend to agree with Matthias Sammer: we are professional athletes and there are decisions and disappointments, and that is part of it," Müller said.
Müller urged the team to remain focused on collective success rather than internal discussions about squad announcements.
"If we want to be successful again, we can't get stuck in discussions about whether someone received information too early, too late, or with the wrong facial expression," Müller underlined.
Defenders within the squad verified that Neuer maintained professional neutrality regarding his competitive return, avoiding any direct dressing room tension.
"You can just tell that attackers have to be especially focused when finishing," Tah explained, as quoted by Sky.
Tah stated that opponents show increased caution when approaching the penalty box due to the goalkeeper's extensive international experience.
"He didn't say anything about it at all - and then it was just the way it was," Tah revealed.
Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck supported this sentiment by praising the historical impact of the veteran goalkeeper.
"He is probably the best goalkeeper of all time," Schlotterbeck stated.
The current players also expressed that the present squad has a more realistic understanding of their actual capabilities compared to past tournaments.
"I'm really happy. It feels like I haven't been here in a very long time.
The first few days have been great, the atmosphere in the team - I'm really enjoying myself here," Musiala said.
National team captain Joshua Kimmich spoke to Sports Illustrated about his personal leadership philosophy and the realistic mindset developing within the camp.
"I have the feeling that everyone in our team knows what we can and can't do.
That everyone has also internalised what they need to contribute for us to be successful as a group.
That's the difference to previous World Cups, where we felt we were better than we actually were.
We spoke a lot about potential, but didn't translate it onto the pitch," Kimmich explained.
Kimmich emphasized that establishing individual relationships within the team guidelines helps maximize player performance.
"I demand a lot, but I also try to lead by example. I've come to understand and accept that you can't expect the same from everyone.
That's not the way to get the most out of everyone.
Of course, you need guidelines and rules that apply to everyone but within that framework, you have to treat everyone somewhat individually," Kimmich explained.
Raum responded to Nagelsmann's comments regarding their potential World Cup celebration by ensuring that space would be available for the design.
"No no, you can always find a free spot [...
] He can chose the design himself, but I definitely want to be there when he gets his tattoo," Raum responded.
The German squad departs for the United States on June 2 to face the tournament co-hosts in Chicago before commencing Group E matches against Curaçao, Côte d'Ivoire, and Ecuador.
