The ongoing debate about Germany’s goalkeeping situation, featuring Manuel Neuer and the sidelined Oliver Baumann, has stirred considerable discussion in German football circles. Now, former national team icon Matthias Sammer has added his voice to the conversation.

Speaking on the Sky talk show “Sammer & Basile – Der Hagedorn-Talk,” Sammer offered his typically forthright take on the controversy.

When asked whether he sympathised with Baumann, who lost his chance to become Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper for the World Cup, the 58-year-old Borussia Dortmund adviser was crystal clear. “Not at all,” said the 1996 European Championship winner. “Professional sport isn’t a fairy tale. They’re paid handsomely for what they do, and the best player must take the field. That’s the only rule that counts.”

For Sammer, feelings or personal sympathy have no role in the pursuit of a World Cup title. He completely dismissed the notion that a late squad change could disrupt team spirit or lower morale among players.

“Leave that at home—immediately!” he stressed.

Instead, Sammer emphasised that consistency and meritocracy must prevail. “People might say, ‘Yes, the best player must also fit into the team dynamic, and others could be disappointed.’ My response? Then leave them at home!” he declared.

He went on to clarify his stance further: “Sensitivity has its place, but not in professional sport. Anyone who cries should simply go home. Maybe it sounds harsh, but who said life is fair? Just because something feels unfair doesn’t mean you stop performing. That’s a ridiculous excuse.”

Sammer made it clear that he fully supports Julian Nagelsmann’s decision to reinstate Neuer as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper for the World Cup. Despite the Bayern Munich captain’s recent calf problems, Sammer regards him as indispensable to the national team’s ambitions.

“It’s absolutely the right call,” he asserted. “Some might disagree, but come on—are we on a sightseeing tour or competing at the highest level? Our objective must always be to play the best goalkeeper available, and Neuer is still Germany’s finest shot-stopper.”

Sammer further insisted that every player in the squad must take full responsibility and adopt a winning mindset, rather than searching for excuses. He warned that anyone blaming the goalkeeping selection for potential World Cup shortcomings has no place in elite competition.

“If we’ve reached a stage where a selection decision becomes the reason for our failure in this tournament, then we might as well pack our bags—pundits included,” he said sharply. “If you’re a professional, you should have the courage to go to the national coach and say, ‘Coach, I can’t accept this decision. I’m disappointed—please leave me out.’ That’s what professionalism means.”