After Manuel Neuer pulled out some incredible heroics to help Bayern Munich beat Real Madrid at the Bernabéu, calls have renewed to have him represent Germany at the World Cup this summer. But it won’t happen, and apparently Julian Nagelsmann is the problem.
At least that is what Lothar Matthäus claimed after the game (via @iMiaSanMia).
“This version of Neuer is world-class,” said the former Ballon d’Or winner. “He belongs in the national team. I hope Nagelsmann watched the game. I would indeed like
to see Manuel Neuer in this form at the World Cup.”
“But I also know that this won’t happen,” he added. “Julian Nagelsmann won’t open that door. And that’s why Manuel’s words about retiring remain set in stone.”
This is not a bombshell, it simply confirms something that fans have speculated for a long time. Julian Nagelsmann and Manuel Neuer don’t like each other. The feud started all the way back when Nagelsmann was coach of FC Bayern, where used his influence to sack goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalović while Neuer was out injured due to a skiing accident. Manu took this as an immense betrayal and the two have had a fraught relationship ever since.
Now, the question is, should Nagelsmann suck up his pride and call Neuer back to the national team this summer? Or will Neuer see out his retirement the way he wants (or maybe even make it permanent)? This topic is sure to cause some discussions in the future, so we’ll keep an eye on it.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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