Germany brings goalkeeper Manuel Neuer back from retirement ahead of World Cup

BERLIN (AP) — Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was persuaded by Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann to retire ahead of the World Cup.

Neuer at 40 years old Retires after 2024 European Championships But on Thursday, he was included in coach Nagelsmann’s 26-man squad for upcoming tournaments in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

His selection means the demotion of Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann. Until reports emerged in recent weeks that Nagelsmann was considering recalling Neuer, Baumann seemed certain to be number one. Until last week, Bauman said his “understanding at this point” was that he would be the starting goalkeeper at the World Cup.

“I told Coach Oli in March that I would have a meeting with Coach Manu,” Nagelsmann said, admitting that Neuer’s return was a “blow” for the 35-year-old Bauman.

Asked about his communication with his players, Nagelsmann replied: “Please understand that I can’t explain every detail from the conversation. I explain a lot and try to take people with me. Sometimes we don’t manage well, sometimes we manage well. … From Oli’s point of view, there is definitely room for improvement.”

Bauman has appeared in more than 500 games in the Bundesliga and has shown that he is a team player, so personal disappointments are unlikely to affect Germany’s chances of success.

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was seen as Neuer’s natural successor, but he has been plagued by injuries and has only made two appearances for Girona since joining on loan in January.

Bauman has played 11 times for Germany, while Neuer has played 124 times, with Neuer’s last game coming in Germany’s 2-1 win at Euro 2024 in the quarter-finals. Lost in overtime to eventual champions Spain.

Neuer’s impressive performances for Bayern Munich, particularly in the Champions League quarter-finals against Real Madrid, have further fueled calls for him to be included in the squad.

The only concern is reoccurring injuries. Neuer was taken off early in Bayern’s final Bundesliga game of the season, and the club announced on Sunday that he must rest for the time being due to a problem with his left calf muscle. It was unclear whether Neuer would be available for Saturday’s German Cup final against Stuttgart.

Drip feeding announcement

To generate further excitement, the German Football Federation (DFB) began announcing the World Cup squad one by one on Thursday morning ahead of Nagelsmann’s scheduled announcement in the afternoon.

Midfielder Joshua Kimmich was the first to be confirmed, followed by Deniz Unduff, Nico Schlotterbeck, Kai Havertz and Bayern star Jamal Musiala.

Musiala impressed at Bayern and after recovering from injury he proved his fitness and joined the team. broke his leg at the Club World Cup in July.

“He is healthy, in good shape and will help us a lot to play well at the World Cup,” Neuer said of the 23-year-old Musiala.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s left-back Nathaniel Braun will be given the chance to increase his number of appearances to three.

Bayern forward Serge Gnabry Excluded from tournament Bayern’s young teammate Lennart Karl was able to win despite being injured. lace for fit In time.

Germany aims for fifth championship

Four-time champions Germany will face Ivory Coast, Ecuador and newcomer Curaçao. Group E At the World Cup.

Preparations are scheduled to begin in the Bavarian resort town of Herzogenaurach on May 27, two days later than originally planned.

The team will play a preliminary game against Finland in Mainz on May 31st, before playing against the United States in Chicago on June 6th.

“I think we’re well prepared,” Nagelsmann said. “We have to let our actions speak for themselves, which is why I’m glad things are finally starting to get going.”

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Germany:

Goalkeepers: Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Alexander Nübel (Stuttgart)

Defender: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Nathaniel Braun (Eintracht Frankfurt), David Raum (Leipzig), Walde Mar Anton (Borussia Dortmund), Pascal Groh (Brighton), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Malik Thiau (Newcastle), Jonathan Tarr (Bayern Munich)

Midfielders: Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Jamie Leveling (Stuttgart), Aleksandar Pavlovic (Bayern Munich), Nadiem Amiri (Mainz), Felix Nmeka (Borussia Dortmund), Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich),

Forwards: Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Deniz Unduff (Stuttgart), Maximilian Bayer (Borussia Dortmund), Florian Wirtz (Liverpool), Nick Waltemaad (Newcastle), Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Galatasaray)

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AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup