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25 June 2026, USA, East Rutherford: Soccer, Men: World Cup, Ecuador vs. Germany, Group Stage, Group E, Matchday 3, New York-New Jersey Stadium, goalkeeper Oliver Baumann (Germany) high-fives national team coach Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) after the game. PLEASE NOTE: In accordance with FIFA regulations, these images may be used exclusively for editorial purposes. Commercial use is prohibited. Furthermore, no video-like sequences may be created, and no alterations may be made to the image, either in the foreground or the background. Photo: Tom Weller/dpa (Photo by Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Germany goalkeeper Oliver Baumann has opened up about one of the toughest moments of his career after Julian Nagelsmann opted to restore Manuel Neuer as the starting goalkeeper for the World Cup.
Baumann had established himself as Germany’s No. 1 leading up to the tournament, but Nagelsmann, leaning on input from some key players, ultimately turned back to Neuer for football’s biggest stage. While the decision was undoubtedly disappointing for Baumann, the goalkeeper sayid that the ex-Germany coach, who was recently replaced by Jürgen Klopp, reached out afterward to discuss everything openly.
“He [Nagelsmann] was sorry about how everything turned out in the end. I spoke with Julian ten days ago. We had already agreed to talk on the phone. Then we talked for almost an hour. I told him everything that was important to me,” Baumann said (as captured by Goal). “Of course, it was hard to swallow. I had this big goal. But I managed to give the team a lot of energy [from the substitutes’ bench]. I think I laid the foundation from my side so that nothing stands in the way of success.”
Rather than allowing his disappointment to become a distraction, Baumann embraced his role and continued supporting the squad. His comments also highlight the communication between player and coach, with Nagelsmann acknowledging how difficult the situation was while Baumann appreciated the opportunity to speak candidly about it afterward.
It is a reminder that not every contribution comes on the pitch. Baumann may have lost his place to one of Germany’s greatest-ever goalkeepers, but he believes he still played an important role in helping the team pursue success.
What do you make of Baumann’s response? Did Nagelsmann make the right decision by putting his faith back in Manuel Neuer?
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