Berlin, June 9 (IANS) A public training session appeared to provide the ideal setting for Manuel Neuer’s return to the German national team. Around 3,000 fans cheered for the Bayern Munich goalkeeper at the team’s base camp in North Carolina as the 40-year-old made his first full training appearance ahead of Germany’s World Cup opener against Curacao on June 14 in Houston.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed the return of the 2014 FIFA World Cup winner for the opening group match, with Neuer preparing routinely for his first appearance in a Germany shirt since the UEFA Euro 2024 quarterfinal against Spain. “He doesn’t need to get used to the procedures; he can handle the pressure easily,” the 38-year-old coach added.

Doubts had surrounded Neuer’s surprising return after he sustained a calf injury in recent weeks, which forced him to undergo individual recovery training, reports Xinhua.

With Neuer having announced his retirement from the national team two years ago, Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann inherited the number-one role, only to be temporarily displaced following Neuer’s return. “It was hard to take at first. It was far from cool,” Baumann said, while assuring his “full support for the team.”

A controversial debate over the pros and cons of Neuer’s return, driven by pundits and fans, accompanied Nagelsmann’s decision.

Nagelsmann said a week of regular training would be enough for the Bayern goalkeeper, while both Neuer and Baumann stressed they would remain fully focused on the team’s objectives.

While Neuer is set for what Nagelsmann described as a “cold start” in his 125th international appearance, Baumann started Germany’s final pre-tournament warm-up match, a 2-1 win over the United States a few days ago.

Nagelsmann expressed respect for Baumann’s attitude, saying the goalkeeper had reacted professionally. “If we were to talk about a 22-year-old youngster, it would be tricky. But Manuel is experienced enough to manage,” the German coach said.

Baumann said the focus now is on the team’s challenges ahead. “There is a major challenge ahead of us, and we want to perform as a team. That includes everyone in the squad,” the 36-year-old said.

Neuer, meanwhile, appears to be returning to a competitive level, with all eyes set to be on him next Sunday against group underdog Curacao.

–IANS

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