Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said he has a “very good relationship” with Oliver Baumann after his comeback to the national team forced the later to be demoted.
Neuer retired after Euro 2024 and Hoffenheim’s Baumann eventually took the position between the posts and played as the starter during the World Cup qualifiers.
However, Baumann travelled to the tournament as a back-up after Neuer was called back by coach Julian Nagelsmann.
“We work together every day and have a very good relationship. Especially on the field, you have to support each other,” Neuer said in a news conference on Thursday.
He said he had a long conversation with Baumann at the start of the World Cup preparations at the headquarters in Bavaria’s Herzogenaurach.
“We talked about the whole situation there. We exchanged views and spoke frankly,” Neuer said without going into details.
The 40-year-old, who’s the only remaining player in the squad from the 2014 team that won the title, also praised Jonas Urbig, who’s set to be his successor at Bayern Munich one day.
Urbig is not part of the official Germany squad but still travelled with the team to gain experience.
“Jonas has everything in his own hands, he’s on a very good path,” Neuer said.
The veteran has a close bond with Urbig and the two spend a lot of time together also during their free time.
“Jonas and I know each other very well from club practice. Jonas is a great asset to us as a team. He trains at the highest level,” Neuer said.
“He’s also giving it his all when it comes to his future. It’s important for him to get a taste of tournament action, learn the ropes, and support our team. I don’t see him as just a back-up goalkeeper anymore, but as a full-time member of our team.”
Germany started the tournament with a 7-1 thrashing of Curaçao and next up face Ivory Coast on Saturday.
