Kimmich Defends Neuer as Germany Captain Dismisses Goalkeeper Debate

Neuer's status has been a major talking point since head coach Julian Nagelsmann reinstated him as the first-choice goalkeeper, a decision that demoted Oliver Baumann. Kimmich expressed understanding for Baumann's disappointment but stressed the Hoffenheim keeper retains the squad's full backing.

'Olli war natürlich enttäuscht. Trotzdem weiß er, dass er die hundertprozentige Unterstützung und auch das Vertrauen der Mannschaft hat,' Kimmich stated. He added, 'Ich wäre enttäuscht, wenn er nicht enttäuscht gewesen wäre. Irgendwo ist das ein Traum und ein Ziel, was jeder im Kopf hat.'

Nagelsmann Takes No Risks with Neuer

Despite the off-field chatter, the immediate focus is on the pitch. Nagelsmann confirmed that Neuer will not feature in Sunday's friendly against Finland in Mainz due to a calf hardening that has limited him to individual training. 'Wir sind sehr froh, dass Manu uns hilft und noch mal für Deutschland spielt,' Nagelsmann said, but added it makes 'keinen Sinn, ihn jetzt unnötig das Spiel gegen Finnland machen zu lassen.'

The coach is taking no risks with his star goalkeeper ahead of the team's opening World Cup group match on June 14. The decision means Hoffenheim's Baumann or another deputy will likely start between the posts in Mainz.

While the tactical decisions were being discussed inside the climate-controlled media center, a very different scene was unfolding just 500 meters away. Around 1,000 fans lined up outside an Adidas store in Herzogenaurach, some waiting since early morning, for a chance to get an autograph or a selfie with Neuer.

When the 40-year-old finally appeared at midday in a sky-blue DFB shirt and black compression stockings to protect his still-injured left calf, the cheers from fans of all ages drowned out the party music. The adulation underscored the iconic status Neuer holds, having won the World Cup with Germany in 2014.

Fan Frenzy for an Icon

After nearly an hour, Neuer departed in a black minibus to return to the team's 'Homeground' quarters, continuing to sign autographs amid chants of 'Manu, Manu' from the crowd.

Teammates echoed Kimmich's sentiments. Dortmund's Maximilian Beier said simply, 'Manu macht uns stärker.' Defender Jonathan Tah, a Bayern colleague, highlighted the psychological impact Neuer has on opponents. 'Also ich bin selbst kein Stürmer. Aber ich weiß von vielen, die öfter als ich aufs Tor schießen, dass das auf jeden Fall so ist, dass man sich denkt: Oh, das ist Manuel Neuer!'

Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck was equally emphatic. 'Natürlich hat Manu einen extrem guten, extrem großen Namen. Er ist wahrscheinlich 'all time' der beste Keeper der Welt.'

Squad Focuses on the Process

Looking beyond the goalkeeping situation, Kimmich urged the team to maintain a step-by-step focus, especially after disappointing campaigns in 2018 and 2022. 'Wir sollten jetzt nicht über irgendwie Finale oder den Titel nachdenken,' he said. 'Aber das bringt uns am Anfang des Turniers nicht vorwärts, sondern wir sollten über die Art und Weise, wie wir Fußball spielen wollen, nachdenken.'

The match against Finland is the penultimate test before the World Cup. Nagelsmann indicated that the lineup in Mainz will largely feature players who could start the tournament, with the return of Jamal Musiala after nearly 15 months out and a possible starting debut for Bayern youngster Lennart Karl.

After the Finland game, Germany faces the United States in Chicago on June 6 before beginning their World Cup campaign on June 14 against an opponent yet to be determined, followed by matches in Toronto and against Ecuador on June 25.