Baumann on Neuer's return: 'That wasn't entirely cool'

Oliver Baumann has revealed that he did not contemplate quitting the German national team after being informed that Manuel Neuer would be the starting goalkeeper for the upcoming World Cup. The news was a blow to Baumann, who had served as Germany's primary goalkeeper throughout the World Cup qualifiers and the recent friendly matches against Finland and the USA.

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Initially, it was hard. That wasn't entirely cool from my perspective. But I immediately knew that I would be there for the team and go along with it. I didn't even think about not coming.

"Initially, it was hard. That wasn't entirely cool from my perspective," Baumann admitted in Chicago following the 2-1 victory over co-host USA. "But I immediately knew that I would be there for the team and go along with it. I didn't even think about not coming."

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I want to help the team. That's how I've always said it, I said it during qualification, and it's the same now. I want to help the team, I want to make my contribution, and that's what it's about. Full focus on myself and on the team, and everything else is outside.

Baumann, 36, emphasized his desire to be part of the World Cup and contribute to the team's success. "I want to help the team. That's how I've always said it, I said it during qualification, and it's the same now. I want to help the team, I want to make my contribution, and that's what it's about. Full focus on myself and on the team, and everything else is outside."

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He will now join team training, that's the plan when we arrive in Winston-Salem – and then play against Curaçao.

Coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed that Neuer, a 2014 World Cup winner, is set to return to the starting lineup for the June 14 opener against Curaçao, marking his first appearance for Germany in nearly two years. "He will now join team training, that's the plan when we arrive in Winston-Salem – and then play against Curaçao," Nagelsmann said. He praised Baumann's professionalism and team spirit, calling him a "great team player" who put himself at the team's service during a difficult period.

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He is a great team player, has put himself at the service of the team. It wasn't easy for him in the last few weeks. Huge compliment. He is a super guy. And a very, very good goalkeeper.