Goalkeeper Debate Heats Up in Germany

The back injury that has sidelined Marc-André ter Stegen has created major concerns in Germany, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. The FC Barcelona goalkeeper, 33, underwent surgery and will be out for several weeks, reopening a debate that seemed settled: should Manuel Neuer return to the national team?

Head coach Julian Nagelsmann had already stated after Ter Stegen’s operation that “he needs to be the number one at his club” to keep his starting role with Germany. But doubts about his physical condition have made the idea of bringing back the veteran Bayern Munich legend — who retired from the national team in 2024 — more appealing.

One of the loudest voices in favor is Hermann Gerland, a long-serving assistant coach at Bayern, who told ZDF: “Manuel Neuer will play for a few more years. And if Germany wants to achieve something, Nagelsmann must choose the best. And that is Neuer.”

Praise for Flick and Bayern Memories

Amid the debate, Gerland also spoke about his experience working alongside Hansi Flick, both at Bayern Munich and later with the German national team. He praised his former colleague, saying: “Hansi was outstanding, both personally and professionally. He treated everyone with respect, even those who didn’t play, and always explained his decisions. Professionally, he is at the very top level.”

Gerland also shared an anecdote: Flick invited him and his wife to visit FC Barcelona’s facilities, including La Masia, though Gerland joked he could afford the trip himself after 55 years on the sidelines.

Neuer the Safe Bet for the World Cup?

The potential return of Manuel Neuer is not official yet, but more and more voices in German football see him as the safest option for the World Cup. While Ter Stegen has proven his quality in recent years with Barcelona, his recurring injuries have raised doubts about his reliability.

Germany is working to rebuild into a contender on the global stage, and once again the goalkeeper position has become the central issue. Between the proven leadership of Neuer and the undeniable talent of Ter Stegen, the final call rests with Nagelsmann, who must decide between trusting a battle-tested veteran or sticking with a talented but injury-prone shot-stopper.