Overview

• Oliver Baumann said outside commentary stays outside and that the internal hierarchy is clear as he prepares to start the qualifiers against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland.
• Manuel Neuer told Sky he decided not to play for the national team anymore and confirmed that the decision still stands.
• Neuer’s agent Thomas Kroth suggested the Bayern keeper would not refuse a call if asked, while figures such as Matthias Sammer, Uli Hoeneß and Herbert Hainer argued the best goalkeeper should play.
• DFB sporting director Rudi Völler called the topic interesting but emphasized hope for Marc‑André ter Stegen’s comeback, with the Barcelona goalkeeper expected out until year’s end due to a back injury.
• With ter Stegen sidelined, the pecking order lists Baumann as number one followed by Alexander Nübel, Finn Dahmen and late call‑up Noah Atubolu, and Baumann has recovered from recent illness for a home start in Sinsheim.