German football legends Lothar Matthaus, Didi Hamann, and Michael Ballack have shared their opinions on the growing controversy surrounding Manuel Neuer’s possible return to the national team for the upcoming World Cup. While Matthaus admitted that Neuer remains Germany’s top goalkeeper, he criticised the lack of communication with current No. 1 Oliver Baumann, calling it “a slap in the face” as coach Julian Nagelsmann prepares to announce his final squad on Thursday.

Matthaus calls decision ‘a slap in the face’

Matthaus did not mince words when assessing the situation, arguing that bringing Neuer back at such a late stage disrespects the players who featured throughout the qualifying campaign. Speaking to Sky, he voiced concern over how current first-choice goalkeeper Oliver Baumann has been treated.

“I don’t know what conversations have taken place,” Matthaus said. “It is a slap in the face of Oliver Baumann, especially if you haven't spoken to him yet. You should have prepared him for it – from a human point of view, you even had to. Manuel Neuer must, of course, also give Julian Nagelsmann the go-ahead that he is there. It's all speculation. The best goalkeeper is Manuel Neuer; he showed that too. Baumann has played great games.”

Trust and transparency questioned

The timing of this call has raised eyebrows, with only a few days left before the final squad announcement. Matthaus expressed concern that Nagelsmann’s lack of openness could harm team morale, particularly among goalkeepers who remained loyal to the national setup during Neuer’s absence.

When asked what he would do if he were in Baumann’s position, Matthaus responded candidly: “If you are open with me, yes. If I find out at the last moment, I will think about whether I can still trust this coach. This is already a relationship of trust. We are speculating and do not know all the details. But it would be important from a human point of view to speak to Baumann.”

Hamann and Ballack join the debate

Didi Hamann also criticised the potential decision, contrasting Neuer’s situation with that of Toni Kroos, who returned to the national side under different circumstances. Hamann argued that rewarding a player who did not participate in the qualifiers could send the wrong message to others in the squad ahead of such a major tournament.

“I wouldn't do it,” Hamann stated. “Baumann played the qualifying stage. That's different from Toni Kroos, when there was no qualifying. But now, after the last day of the season, to say: Neuer is back, I don't think is a good idea.”

Meanwhile, Ballack told DAZN: “The signs are increasing that he will be there. If he's there, he'll be number one.”

Neuer stays silent on the issue

Following Bayern Munich’s 5-1 win over Koln on the final day of the Bundesliga season, Neuer declined to discuss Baumann’s situation or his own national team future. “For me, that's not an issue today. Today we are celebrating the championship; next week we have a very important task in the cup,” he said.

When asked whether it would be disrespectful to Hoffenheim’s Baumann if he reclaimed the starting role, Neuer responded: “I can't say anything about that. Ask [Nagelsmann] tonight; he's on Sportstudio. That's not a question for me.”