2 months ago
With Manuel Neuer going back into retirement after the FIFA World Cup, the door has opened for a new talent to take over the throne as Germany's #1 goalkeeper. Marc-Andre ter Stegen's career seems to be fizzling out in the Netherlands, and Oliver Baumann is no spring chicken. All these signs point to Jürgen Klopp electing a younger option as his goalkeeper moving forward.
Jonas Urbig will be the first name for Bayern Munich fans to mention, and for good reason. However, there is another elite German goalkeeper, with much more experience thus far. This of course is SC Freiburg's Noah Atubolu. Reports from Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg claim that Atubolu has now transferred to fellow Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.
While the reports indicate that Freiburg have loaned their star goalkeeper to Frankfurt, there is a mandatory buy clause included. While Freiburg actually finished higher than Frankfurt last season, this is generally seen as an upgrade for the German goalkeeper.
While Atubolu has been called up to the national team under Julian Nagelsmann, he has yet to appear in a match for Die Mannschaft. Klopp might have other ideas though with his reports of big change coming. With Neuer keeping Urbig in a secondary role for the moment, does it make sense for Atubolu to lead the team moving forward? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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#reports
Jonas Urbig will be the first name for Bayern Munich fans to mention, and for good reason. However, there is another elite German goalkeeper, with much more experience thus far. This of course is SC Freiburg's Noah Atubolu. Reports from Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg claim that Atubolu has now transferred to fellow Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.
While the reports indicate that Freiburg have loaned their star goalkeeper to Frankfurt, there is a mandatory buy clause included. While Freiburg actually finished higher than Frankfurt last season, this is generally seen as an upgrade for the German goalkeeper.
While Atubolu has been called up to the national team under Julian Nagelsmann, he has yet to appear in a match for Die Mannschaft. Klopp might have other ideas though with his reports of big change coming. With Neuer keeping Urbig in a secondary role for the moment, does it make sense for Atubolu to lead the team moving forward? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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#reports
2 months ago
Manuel Neuer caused a stir by denying reports that he will give Jonas Urbig more minutes in the upcoming club season. That rubbed fans the wrong way, especially after Neuer denied Oliver Baumann a World Cup debut last month, but it looks like Neuer might actually be okay with giving Urbig more minutes.
Bayern's plan for Jonas Urbig this season is not only to replace Neuer when the latter is injured or needs a break, but also to feature in important matches so he can get used to the pressure of being the club's future number one. Neuer is not opposed to that and will support Urbig.
– Sport Bild's Julian Agardi and Christian Falk as captured by X account iMiaSanMia
Maybe what Neuer said was blown out of proportion, because he did mention that the goalkeepers will maintain status quo for 2026/27. That means the goalkeepers will still be sharing minutes.
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#neuer #jonas #goalkeepers #baumann
Bayern's plan for Jonas Urbig this season is not only to replace Neuer when the latter is injured or needs a break, but also to feature in important matches so he can get used to the pressure of being the club's future number one. Neuer is not opposed to that and will support Urbig.
– Sport Bild's Julian Agardi and Christian Falk as captured by X account iMiaSanMia
Maybe what Neuer said was blown out of proportion, because he did mention that the goalkeepers will maintain status quo for 2026/27. That means the goalkeepers will still be sharing minutes.
Sign up for a user account and get:
#neuer #jonas #goalkeepers #baumann
2 months ago
Oliver Baumann and former Germany national coach Julian Nagelsmann had a conversation after the World Cup about the demotion of the TSG Hoffenheim player.
"He [Nagelsmann] was sorry about how everything turned out in the end," the 36-year-old told various media outlets, in Seefeld, Austria, amid TSG's pre-season training camp.
"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."
According to the veteran goalkeeper the conversation with his former coach wasn't emotional "but completely neutral". Stating that it "settles the matter."
The controversy stemmed from Nagelsmann's decision to strip Baumann of his starting position just weeks before the World Cup and opting for Manuel Neuer instead.
#former #conversation
"He [Nagelsmann] was sorry about how everything turned out in the end," the 36-year-old told various media outlets, in Seefeld, Austria, amid TSG's pre-season training camp.
"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."
According to the veteran goalkeeper the conversation with his former coach wasn't emotional "but completely neutral". Stating that it "settles the matter."
The controversy stemmed from Nagelsmann's decision to strip Baumann of his starting position just weeks before the World Cup and opting for Manuel Neuer instead.
#former #conversation
3 months ago
Well, we all knew this kind of report was eventually going to drop — and this could be the first of quite a few.
Per RAN, former German national head coach Julian Nagelsmann created tension by bringing back Manuel Neuer back to the squad — and almost lost a coach over the decision:
Nagelsmann's about-face shortly before the World Cup nearly cost Nübel another major tournament. As ran learned, the controversial decision to bring Neuer back caused massive turmoil within the DFB team.
Goalkeeping coach Andreas Kronenberg is said to have even considered quitting, as Nagelsmann allegedly made the personnel decision unilaterally, but he, like the national coach, previously agreed to Baumann in the role as number one and Nübel as number two.
The German Football ****** ociation (DFB) denies this, as well as the alleged demand by Neuer to once again drop his rival Nübel at short notice for his comeback and instead nominate Bayern Munich's backup goalkeeper Jonas Urbig as the third World Cup goalkeeper. The fact that Urbig was ultimately taken to the USA as the fourth goalkeeper was a compromise.
Per RAN, former German national head coach Julian Nagelsmann created tension by bringing back Manuel Neuer back to the squad — and almost lost a coach over the decision:
Nagelsmann's about-face shortly before the World Cup nearly cost Nübel another major tournament. As ran learned, the controversial decision to bring Neuer back caused massive turmoil within the DFB team.
Goalkeeping coach Andreas Kronenberg is said to have even considered quitting, as Nagelsmann allegedly made the personnel decision unilaterally, but he, like the national coach, previously agreed to Baumann in the role as number one and Nübel as number two.
The German Football ****** ociation (DFB) denies this, as well as the alleged demand by Neuer to once again drop his rival Nübel at short notice for his comeback and instead nominate Bayern Munich's backup goalkeeper Jonas Urbig as the third World Cup goalkeeper. The fact that Urbig was ultimately taken to the USA as the fourth goalkeeper was a compromise.
4 months ago
There's a natural inclination at Bayern Munich that keeper Jonas Urbig will eventually become the club's number one keeper once Manuel Neuer's days with the German Rekordmeister are over. Neuer's recently signed a one-year contract extension with Bayern, but the understanding for the 2026/27 season is that the veteran keeper will take on more of a mentor-type role as Urbig starts to get more minutes than he has in his two previous seasons at Bayern ever since joining from FC Köln.
As far as the German national team is concerned, there are a lot of moving parts. No one really expected Neuer to be recalled to the squad by Julian Nagelsmann for the World Cup until rumors started swirling around a few months ago that him coming out of international retirement was a realistic possibility. Fast forward to now, and Neuer was in between the sticks for Germany's group stage wins over Curaçao in Houston, Texas and Côte d'Ivoire in Toronto, Canada. Die Mannschaft also clinched their place in the knockout stages and won group E with Curaçao's 0-0 draw with Ecuador in Kansas City.
In the months heading into Nagelsmann getting set to announce his Germany squad for the World Cup, Hoffneheim's Oliver Baumann was under the impression that he'd be on the squad as the number one keeper, but that changed and he was ultimately brought as Neuer's backup. Alexander Nübel was also called up and Urbig was brought with the squad just to be a "training keeper."
For Urbig, there's a chance to follow the same path he's following at Bayern with the national team, but he will certainly face competition to become Germany's number one. Neuer has faith that his understudy can one day take the reigns for the national team, but he also knows it's not a given.
"He's on a very good path and has it all in his own hands. But I also have to say that my other colleagues are doing very well at their clubs. I have respect for all our goalkeepers," Neuer said ahead of Germany's 2-1 win over Côte d'Ivoire.
As far as the German national team is concerned, there are a lot of moving parts. No one really expected Neuer to be recalled to the squad by Julian Nagelsmann for the World Cup until rumors started swirling around a few months ago that him coming out of international retirement was a realistic possibility. Fast forward to now, and Neuer was in between the sticks for Germany's group stage wins over Curaçao in Houston, Texas and Côte d'Ivoire in Toronto, Canada. Die Mannschaft also clinched their place in the knockout stages and won group E with Curaçao's 0-0 draw with Ecuador in Kansas City.
In the months heading into Nagelsmann getting set to announce his Germany squad for the World Cup, Hoffneheim's Oliver Baumann was under the impression that he'd be on the squad as the number one keeper, but that changed and he was ultimately brought as Neuer's backup. Alexander Nübel was also called up and Urbig was brought with the squad just to be a "training keeper."
For Urbig, there's a chance to follow the same path he's following at Bayern with the national team, but he will certainly face competition to become Germany's number one. Neuer has faith that his understudy can one day take the reigns for the national team, but he also knows it's not a given.
"He's on a very good path and has it all in his own hands. But I also have to say that my other colleagues are doing very well at their clubs. I have respect for all our goalkeepers," Neuer said ahead of Germany's 2-1 win over Côte d'Ivoire.
4 months ago
There’s a natural inclination at Bayern Munich that keeper Jonas Urbig will eventually become the club’s number one keeper once Manuel Neuer’s days with the German Rekordmeister are over. Neuer’s recently signed a one-year contract extension with Bayern, but the understanding for the 2026/27 season is that the veteran keeper will take on more of a mentor-type role as Urbig starts to get more minutes than he has in his two previous seasons at Bayern ever since joining from FC Köln.
As far as the German national team is concerned, there are a lot of moving parts. No one really expected Neuer to be recalled to the squad by Julian Nagelsmann for the World Cup until rumors started swirling around a few months ago that him coming out of international retirement was a realistic possibility. Fast forward to now, and Neuer was in between the sticks for Germany’s group stage wins over Curaçao in Houston, Texas and Côte d’Ivoire in Toronto, Canada. Die Mannschaft also clinched their place in the knockout stages and won group E with Curaçao’s 0-0 draw with Ecuador in Kansas City.
In the months heading into Nagelsmann getting set to announce his Germany squad for the World Cup, Hoffneheim’s Oliver Baumann was under the impression that he’d be on the squad as the number one keeper, but that changed and he was ultimately brought as Neuer’s backup. Alexander Nübel was also called up and Urbig was brought with the squad just to be a “training keeper.”
For Urbig, there’s a chance to follow the same path he’s following at Bayern with the national team, but he will certainly face competition to become Germany’s number one. Neuer has faith that his understudy can one day take the reigns for the national team, but he also knows it’s not a given.
“He’s on a very good path and has it all in his own hands. But I also have to say that my other colleagues are doing very well at their clubs. I have respect for all our goalkeepers,” Neuer said ahead of Germany’s 2-1 win over Côte d’Ivoire.
As far as the German national team is concerned, there are a lot of moving parts. No one really expected Neuer to be recalled to the squad by Julian Nagelsmann for the World Cup until rumors started swirling around a few months ago that him coming out of international retirement was a realistic possibility. Fast forward to now, and Neuer was in between the sticks for Germany’s group stage wins over Curaçao in Houston, Texas and Côte d’Ivoire in Toronto, Canada. Die Mannschaft also clinched their place in the knockout stages and won group E with Curaçao’s 0-0 draw with Ecuador in Kansas City.
In the months heading into Nagelsmann getting set to announce his Germany squad for the World Cup, Hoffneheim’s Oliver Baumann was under the impression that he’d be on the squad as the number one keeper, but that changed and he was ultimately brought as Neuer’s backup. Alexander Nübel was also called up and Urbig was brought with the squad just to be a “training keeper.”
For Urbig, there’s a chance to follow the same path he’s following at Bayern with the national team, but he will certainly face competition to become Germany’s number one. Neuer has faith that his understudy can one day take the reigns for the national team, but he also knows it’s not a given.
“He’s on a very good path and has it all in his own hands. But I also have to say that my other colleagues are doing very well at their clubs. I have respect for all our goalkeepers,” Neuer said ahead of Germany’s 2-1 win over Côte d’Ivoire.
4 months ago
After returning to international football for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite retiring from the German national team in 2024, Manuel Neuer expects this summer's tournament to be his last for Die Nationalelf.
"For me, it's basically certain that this is my last tournament," explained Neuer. "I don't intend on being in goal at the European Championship in two years."
Neuer retired after Euro 2024 but returned to the German national team after discussions with Julian Nagelsmann, who instated Bayern Munich's custodian as his No.1 ahead of Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann.
Neuer, who has 125 caps for Germany, added: "I don't want to dwell on the possibility that these could be my last games for Germany. I handled it the same way at the European Championship, which is why there was no statement after the elimination against Spain."
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
"For me, it's basically certain that this is my last tournament," explained Neuer. "I don't intend on being in goal at the European Championship in two years."
Neuer retired after Euro 2024 but returned to the German national team after discussions with Julian Nagelsmann, who instated Bayern Munich's custodian as his No.1 ahead of Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann.
Neuer, who has 125 caps for Germany, added: "I don't want to dwell on the possibility that these could be my last games for Germany. I handled it the same way at the European Championship, which is why there was no statement after the elimination against Spain."
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
4 months ago
Former Bayern Munich star Thomas Müller is still enjoying his football career in MLS, but the Raumdeuter will also be a pundit for the World Cip this summer.
As expected, the wily veteran has already gotten off to a good start with his takes on the German national team as he detailed why there were issues with Manuel Neuer being reintegrated into the team. After stating for months that he would stay retired from international football, Neuer opted to make a surprising return to Germany after some prodding from coaches and players.
Of course, Müller is fully backing his old teammate despite the mini-controversy.
“What really sets Manu apart is simply his positioning, his footwork, and how he positions himself. Especially in the second leg against Paris, he made two or three amazing saves. And that just goes to show that, in my view, when he’s feeling physically strong, he’s simply the best in goal,” Müller told ran journalist Martin Volkmar. “But we’re talking about nuances and also about a feeling. And that’s why we don’t need to worry at all, because we’ve seen it: Oli Baumann is so good—not just in terms of his goalkeeping skills, but also mentally—that if Manu can’t play, he’s there.
“The discussion naturally got heated because the communication was questionable. But in terms of the game itself, I can understand it. That’s not a demotion for Baumann, though. He just has to be ready and help us when we need him.”
As expected, the wily veteran has already gotten off to a good start with his takes on the German national team as he detailed why there were issues with Manuel Neuer being reintegrated into the team. After stating for months that he would stay retired from international football, Neuer opted to make a surprising return to Germany after some prodding from coaches and players.
Of course, Müller is fully backing his old teammate despite the mini-controversy.
“What really sets Manu apart is simply his positioning, his footwork, and how he positions himself. Especially in the second leg against Paris, he made two or three amazing saves. And that just goes to show that, in my view, when he’s feeling physically strong, he’s simply the best in goal,” Müller told ran journalist Martin Volkmar. “But we’re talking about nuances and also about a feeling. And that’s why we don’t need to worry at all, because we’ve seen it: Oli Baumann is so good—not just in terms of his goalkeeping skills, but also mentally—that if Manu can’t play, he’s there.
“The discussion naturally got heated because the communication was questionable. But in terms of the game itself, I can understand it. That’s not a demotion for Baumann, though. He just has to be ready and help us when we need him.”
4 months ago
Tanner Bibee finally got some run support and a win against the Rangers.
Zach has your recap here. The series rubber match today features Joey Cantillo vs. Jacob deGrom. Then, the Guardians come back home to play the Yankees again on Monday.
Michael Baumann has an interesting article for FanGraphs about how contracts formerly seen as immovable are probably no longer immovable.
AROUND MLB:
Josh Naylor has been doing silly things like throwing his sliding glove into the catcher and the Tigers responded by throwing a 97 mph fastball at his head.
Zach has your recap here. The series rubber match today features Joey Cantillo vs. Jacob deGrom. Then, the Guardians come back home to play the Yankees again on Monday.
Michael Baumann has an interesting article for FanGraphs about how contracts formerly seen as immovable are probably no longer immovable.
AROUND MLB:
Josh Naylor has been doing silly things like throwing his sliding glove into the catcher and the Tigers responded by throwing a 97 mph fastball at his head.
