Neuer’s Comeback Won’t Blind Baumann: Germany’s Goalkeeper Saga Keeps Rolling

Admiration for Nagelsmann

Oliver Baumann, the German national team goalkeeper for Hoffenheim, offered strong praise for head coach Julian Nagelsmann and touched on positive developments at his club, alongside the topic of Manuel Neuer’s potential return to the national squad.

In a conversation with Sky Germany, Baumann said: “We have an incredibly positive mood at the club and in the team. This atmosphere helps you on the pitch. The youngsters are applying it very well and they’re giving their all. Coach Christian Elzer cares deeply about this too.”

When asked about Elzer’s progress in leading the club’s transition: “He has settled a lot. Of course, it wasn’t an easy time for him. He arrived as the change was just beginning. It took time because the overhaul was big. The squad changed, but the foundation is solid. People communicate constantly. We can build from scratch. We’ve used the time very well.”

On internal power dynamics: “I don’t know if it’s a power struggle. I didn’t feel the need to intervene because it didn’t affect the team effectively. It’s very positive that Andreas Schicker, the sporting director, remains. I’m very happy about that and I told him so. We’ve done very good work so far, and I’m glad we can stay on this path.”

Baumann also expressed clear admiration for Nagelsmann, his former Hoffenheim boss: “I never expected he would become the national team coach, and our paths meeting this way is wonderful. Reconnecting with old colleagues after a successful and enjoyable time means a lot.”

“He has developed incredibly well. He is an exceptional coach and person with immense football know-how. He manages the national team superbly—staying calm, finding the right words, and preparing us for matches very effectively. It hasn’t always been easy, but we’re still able to do it together. The young players all support him. I love how he is.”

Neuer’s Return

Regarding the repeated question of Neuer’s return to the German squad: “I’m really not interested in that. Honestly! It’s fascinating how much attention this topic attracts. It seems you don’t take Manuel Neuer’s decision seriously. In the end, I don’t really care. What matters is what Nagelsmann and the goalkeeping coach [Andreas Krönlein] tell me. Outside noise is fine as long as it doesn’t stop me from performing well. Everything else is not important.”

He added on his World Cup 2026 prospects: “My goals are as big as possible. Anything else would feed a misguided notion, so I don’t need to give them any material.”

Baumann’s remarks followed Max Eberl’s endorsement of Neuer’s comeback and consideration of World Cup 2026, with the Bayern Munich sporting director telling Bild: “He’s the best goalkeeper in Germany, we’re thrilled to have extended his contract and that he’s in good health. Holidays help during international breaks; he’s fired up.” Eberl didn’t shy from a clear answer: Neuer should go to the World Cup if the opportunity arises.

Between Retirement and Injury

The 39-year-old had stepped away from the national team after Euro 2024, ceding first-choice duties to Marc-Andre ter Stegen. A knee injury later required surgery on his back, opening the door for Baumann to feature in the closer qualification fixtures.

Baumann has never received a red card in his more than 15-year career. He has worn the number 1 shirt for Freiburg and Hoffenheim since 2011–2012, and recently with the German national team. He was 19 when he made his Bundesliga debut for Freiburg in the final round of the 2009–2010 season.

Widely regarded as a “penalty shootout killer,” Baumann has saved just over one-fifth of penalties faced (22.9%) across his professional career. He has faced 76 penalties in total, stopping 18 of them across all competitions. In the Bundesliga, he ranks second to Rudi Kargus for most penalties saved in the league’s history with 16 saves.

Punchline time: If Neuer’s comeback looks like a blockbuster, Baumann’s career is the subtle sting—quiet, but aim always on target. Punchline 2: They say football is a game of inches; Baumann saves are measured in gloves, not inches, and he’s got the habit of turning pressure into punchlines at the whistle.”