Nagelsmann discusses Germany’s goalkeeping situation

In his exclusive interview with Kicker, Germany’s boss Julian Nagelsmann addressed several issues.

Julian Nagelsmann confirms Oliver Baumann will start in goal for Germany in the World Cup, as things stand. With Manuel Neuer reassuring his decision to retire from international football and Marc-André ter Stegen’s latest injury, the Hoffenheim custodian will be Germany’s starting goalkeeper in a tournament for the very first time.

“It’s obviously an extremely tragic situation for Marc (ter Stegen),” Nagelsmann said regarding the player who was expected to start between the posts before his season-ending injury. “It’s tragic that something so dramatic comes from such a simple action like an ordinary pass.

“Looking at his history with the national team, it would have been his turn now. It’s not a lost cause, but there’s no question it will be very tight. You have to consider not only the recent injury. He was also absent for a long period before that, and hardly played for almost a year.“

In his interview with Kicker, Nagelsmann backs Baumann to fill the gap for this summer’s tournament. “Manuel Neuer was the one who stepped down. I still believe he’s doing very well and that he’s a very good goalkeeper, but with Oliver Baumann, we also have an outstanding keeper. If Oli stays as consistent and fit as he is now, he’ll have a great World Cup. We have no concerns at all in the goalkeeping position.“