Nagelsmann reacts to speculation over Neuer World Cup return

Speaking on ZDF on Saturday evening, Julian Nagelsmann neither confirmed nor denied a return to the German national team for Manuel Neuer.

Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has remained coy on speculation over a possible return to the national team for the World Cup for Manuel Neuer.

Sky Germany reported on Saturday that 40-year-old Neuer is in line to come out of international retirement for the upcoming tournament, provided the injury that forced him off in Bayern Munich's 5-1 win over 1. FC Köln isn't serious.

When asked about a possible comeback for the 40-year-old during ZDF's “Aktuellen Sportstudio” show, Nagelsmann neither confirmed nor denied anything.

“I stand by my view that the player is contacted first – and that has not happened yet. I have already said that every player who played a role in my era will receive a call. That will be around 62 phone calls that I have to make,” Nagelsmann said.

Asked whether the lack of a denial regarding a possible comeback for Neuer can be interpreted as a sign that the 40-year-old will be going to the World Cup, the Germany coach replied:

“You are allowed to interpret whatever you want.”

“I am, to this day, very comfortable with my communication with the players. That’s why all information goes to the players first. You will all find out in good time,” he added.

Nagelsmann also didn't want to confirm if Neuer’s name is on the 55-man preliminary squad list that was submitted to FIFA earlier this month.

“The list is not public, therefore I will not comment on it. But I can say that there are a lot of players on it. It is always the duty to include all players who are eligible, who have a German passport, and to put them on a possible list and then evaluate them again," he said.

“There are also players on it who have not yet played under my tenure. It is a preliminary list from which you can then assemble the puzzle.”

Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann, Germany’s starting goalkeeper throughout their World Cup qualifying campaign, was asked earlier on Saturday about Neuer's rumoured return.

“There’s not much for me to say from my side. I have my information from my conversation with Julian (Nagelsmann)," Baumann said. 

"It was a private one-on-one conversation. I’m going into the World Cup preparations, and then the World Cup itself, very confidently.

“He has expressed his trust in me. Period," Baumann underlined.

Germany’s squad for the World Cup will be announced on May 21.