- Hoffenheim’s Baumann to start next matches
- Nagelsmann hopeful of Ter Stegen’s return soon
- Says he already has a plan
With Ter Stegen out injured and out of favour at Barcelona, there have been concerns about his role in the national team ahead of next year’s World Cup. The uncertainty around the No. 1 spot sparked talk of Manuel Neuer coming out of international retirement, but Nagelsmann appears to have decided against going down that route, instead revealing that Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann will be trusted for the upcoming World Cup qualifying games until Ter Stegen is fit enough to return.
The Barcelona goalkeeper has faced a tough time since his back injury, undergoing successful surgery in July. He initially expected a three-month recovery but may be out for longer in the wake of a dispute with Barcelona that temporarily cost him the captaincy. The issue was resolved his month, but the 33-year-old is unlikely to see much playing time on his return with Hansi Flick and the Catalan club picking new signing Joan Garcia as the undisputed No. 1.
While Nagelsmann already has a backup plan in Baumann, he still has faith in Ter Stegen, suggesting he will be between the sticks at the World Cup.
Speaking to ZDF he said of Baumann: “Because I think he played very well for us and has also been playing very consistently in the Bundesliga over the past few years. Baumann is a good footballer who helps us in the build-up play [and is] a reliable character who is good for us and deserves his chance.”
When asked about whether he’ll be selecting Neuer or Ter Stegen, Nagelsmann said: “I have my plan in mind, and that is for Marc-Andre ter Stegen to play again when he’s healthy. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that his rehab goes well, and it currently looks like he’ll be healthy again by winter, and then we’ll see how things go for him.
“Of course [Ter Stegen] has to play, he knows that, it’s part of the job.”
Asked about Neuer’s possible return, he added: “I’m still keeping my fingers crossed that Manu has a good season. The Club World Cup was very, very good, as was the start of the Bundesliga season. So I’m optimistic that he’ll have a good season as well. But with us, I have my plans well in mind.”
Germany will face Slovakia on September 4 and Northern Ireland on September 7 in World Cup qualification. Alexander Nubel of Stuttgart and Finn Dahmen of Augsburg have been added to the squad.
