Nagelsmann rules – Bayern Munich and Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann says Manuel Neuer will not play against Finland in a World Cup qualifier on Sunday, while he plans to monitor Jamal Musiala’s recovery daily—targeting a 100% level for Bayern’s first game on June 14.
On the eve of Germany’s World Cup qualifier against Finland, Julian Nagelsmann didn’t leave room for guesswork. Manuel Neuer will not take the field on Sunday.
Nagelsmann framed it as a shared decision and a practical one, tied to a calf issue that has been nagging the Bayern goalkeeper. For the German national team head coach, the next month won’t be about a single call—it will be about constant day-to-day monitoring.
“Manuel Neuer will not play against Finland on Sunday. That was our decision, and he agreed to it. We’ll give an update on how things are looking for him ahead of the USA friendly. Oli Baumann will play on Sunday and will do well,” Nagelsmann said, as captured by @iMiaSanMia.
That plan means Baumann steps in for Sunday’s match. It also means Neuer’s situation is still being treated as delicate enough to affect his timeline, with Nagelsmann promising an update before Germany’s USA friendly.
Musiala’s situation is different, but the pressure is no less real—just less visible. Nagelsmann described Musiala’s status as uncertain in a way that’s more about how the 23-year-old feels day to day after a major injury than about a fresh, specific problem.
For Musiala, the goal is clarity rather than risk. Nagelsmann said he would be okay if the attacker is only operating at 70%, even if it’s not the ideal outcome. But he’s aiming for Musiala to be at 100% for Bayern’s first game on June 14.
“He’s taken important steps in recent weeks. He intuitively does a lot of the right things – the important thing is that he plays freely and doesn’t overthink things. Even if Jamal plays at 70%, he’s still better than many others. I’ll be happy if he’s at 100% for the first game. He still has some time; we’re not putting him under pressure. We have a brilliant partner for him in Flo Wirtz. He doesn’t have to orchestrate everything on his own. If they both work well together, we’ll naturally be a better team,” Nagelsmann remarked.
The picture that emerges is careful but urgent at the same time: Neuer gets immediate protection from a calf issue. with Baumann set to start on Sunday and an update promised ahead of the USA friendly. Musiala gets space to build—steps taken in recent weeks. an allowance for 70% if needed. and a target of 100% by June 14. with Nagelsmann insisting there’s no added pressure and that Flo Wirtz can share the creative load alongside him.
Julian Nagelsmann Bayern Munich Manuel Neuer calf issue Jamal Musiala Flo Wirtz Finland qualifier Sunday USA friendly June 14
So Neuer is out… okay but why wait till the last second? lol
Daily monitoring for Musiala sounds like he’s gonna be out too. They always say “70% is fine” and then he can’t even run.
I don’t get it, if it’s a calf issue then just tape it up? 😂 But also Oli Baumann is apparently the guy now. Hopefully Germany doesn’t let in 5.
“Targeting 100% for Bayern’s first game on June 14” like that’s a real switch you flip. And Finland qualifier… I mean USA friendly after that too, so is this just management for the club schedule? Seems like they’re more worried about club vibes than the national team.