Oliver Baumann should be declared number one Germany goalkeeper for the World Cup because of too much uncertainty around Marc-André ter Stegen, former Germany player Thomas Strunz has said. Strunz told Thursday's edition of Kicker sports magazine that any discussion on the issue would be "nipped in the bud" by coach Julian Nagelsmann in this way.
Oliver Baumann should be declared number one Germany goalkeeper for the World Cup because of too much uncertainty around Marc-André ter Stegen, former Germany player Thomas Strunz has said.
Strunz told Thursday's edition of Kicker sports magazine that any discussion on the issue would be "nipped in the bud" by coach Julian Nagelsmann in this way.
The former defender said it was Nagelsmann's task to "create a clear picture in the coming months in defence, including the goalkeeper position" for the June 11-July 19 tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
"Ter Stegen lacks rhythm, there are too many uncertainties," he said.
Barcelona's Ter Stegen was named first choice in 2024 after the international retirement of Manuel Neuer. Strunz said that a clear decision from Nagelsmann would also end all speculation about a Neuer return which Neuer has however dismissed.
Hoffenheim's Baumann played in all World Cup qualifiers last autumn when Ter Stegen was sidelined after back surgery.
Ter Stegen is now fit to play but Barca coach Hansi Flick has made summer signing Joan Garcia number one and named Ter Stegen's appearance in a Copa del Rey match last month a one-off.
Ter Stegen's future at Barca appears unclear and Nagelsmann has said that he will need regular matches to retain his Germany number one status at the World Cup.
He was lately linked with a loan move to Girona, but Barca sporting director Deco told broadcasters Movistar on Wednesday that "there is nothing to say about the future.
"Marc is our player, he came to Saudi Arabia to be part of the team, and then this [a knee injury] happened. That's all," Deco said.
The knee problem made Ter Stegen leave the Barca camp at the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for examinations back in Spain.
Deco said that the knee has been immobilised for the time being but that it is "nothing serious.
"He had an uncomfortable feeling in his knee, and of course you're always a bit concerned when a player comes back from injury, because he's had problems with that knee in the past," Deco said in Jeddah.
Category: General Sports
