Nagelsmann: Additional rest 'good' for Neuer; Hoeness criticism
German national football coach Julian Nagelsmann speaks during a press conference to announce the official squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The global tournament takes place across Canada, Mexico and the United States from 11 June to 19 July 2026. Federico Gambarini/dpa Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann is not concerned regarding the World Cup that his recalled goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will miss the national Cup final.
Bayern Munich's Neuer, 40, is nursing a left calf muscle problem that will see him sidelined for Saturday night's final against VfB Stuttgart. The national team gathers on Wednesday to start preparations for the June 11-July 14 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The team leaves for the US on June 2.
Nagelsmann said told DFB TV late Friday that Neuer's absence on Saturday is "no problem whatsoever" for him and he praised the communication between Bayern and the national team. Neuer rest good for him “We discussed together what the pros and cons of this match are. Given the minor muscle tightness and injury, it’s better that he doesn’t play tomorrow,” he said.
“From the national team’s point of view, it’s good that he gets a few more days’ rest and can then start with us in top form. ” He said there would be no benefit if Neuer played a very good match, “and then he might not be fit for the national team. " Neuer has been sidelined twice with left calf muscle problems earlier in the year.
The latest injury started last weekend when he had to be substituted in the Bundesliga finale against Cologne and he has not trained since then. Recall makes headlines Despite the injuries Neuer is back in the national team after two years as part of the squad announced on Thursday and set to play his fifth World Cup and ninth major tournament. He had originally retired from the team in 2024 after 124 caps over 15 years, highlighted by the 2014 World Cup title.