Pavlović backs Neuer as Germany’s No.1 but says the final call is Nagelsmann’s

Aleksandar Pavlović has praised Manuel Neuer as a “world-class goalkeeper,” while stressing that Germany’s No.1 decision ultimately belongs to head coach Julian Nagelsmann. The Bayern Munich midfielder’s measured stance mirrors a broader debate after Euro 2024, where Neuer started every match. With the 2026 World Cup cycle and Nations League fixtures ahead, the question of continuity versus transition—featuring challengers like Marc-André ter Stegen—has resurfaced. Pavlović’s comments strike a respectful balance: strong backing for Neuer’s pedigree and leadership, yet clear deference to the staff’s selection authority.

In recent public remarks, Aleksandar Pavlović addressed Germany’s goalkeeping outlook, noting Manuel Neuer’s elite quality and emphasizing that any decision on a national team “comeback” or continued starting role rests with the coach. The discussion follows Germany’s Euro 2024 campaign, where Neuer reclaimed the No.1 spot, and arrives as the national team prepares for the next competitive window, including UEFA Nations League action and the build-up to the 2026 World Cup. The comments also sit against a calmer backdrop at Bayern Munich under Vincent Kompany, which may aid player form and availability for international duty.

Aleksandar Pavlović on Manuel Neuer and a possible national team comeback: "You always want to have Manu in goal. I know that, and you know that too, that he's a world-class goalkeeper. But that's also up to the coach to decide. I can't say much about that right now." • Do you

@iMiaSanMia

Impact Analysis

Pavlović’s endorsement of Manuel Neuer resonates on multiple levels—technical, psychological, and leadership. Technically, Neuer’s sweeping range, high starting position and passing variety still enable Germany to compress space and control tempo from the back. Even at 39 in 2025, his command over defensive structure, plus elite reflexes and angles management, remains uncommon. Psychologically, his presence stabilizes young defenders and midfielders—precisely where profiles like Pavlović operate—encouraging risk-managed progression through the thirds.

Yet the crux is squad architecture. Germany’s pathway to 2026 demands clarity: either double down on Neuer’s experience for two more years or accelerate succession with Marc-André ter Stegen, Kevin Trapp, or Bernd Leno. Pavlović’s framing deftly avoids polarizing the locker room; he validates Neuer’s stature while reinforcing that Nagelsmann owns the call. That matters: selection buy-in is essential to avoid fractures that undermined prior tournaments.

At club level, Bayern’s relative stability under Vincent Kompany can fortify Neuer’s rhythm and health management. If training loads and match selection at Bayern are optimized, Neuer’s availability for Germany increases. Conversely, any dip in high-intensity shot-stopping metrics or distribution under pressure would reopen the succession debate. In short, Pavlović’s comments cool the discourse and re-center it on performance and coaching alignment—exactly what Germany needs ahead of the next cycle.

Reaction

Fan sentiment is split but animated. A vocal segment pleads for continuity—“we need you in the World Cup”—treating Neuer as an irreplaceable big-tournament specialist whose aura can still swing knockout ties. Another camp pushes hard against that notion, invoking memories of 2018 and 2022 to argue for a clean slate and a full transition to Marc-André ter Stegen or another in-form stopper. Some casual readers even ask whether Neuer already stepped away, reflecting how the rotating narrative around Germany’s No.1 has muddied perceptions.

There’s also a pragmatic middle ground amplifying Pavlović’s phrasing: Neuer remains world-class, but selection should be merit-based and situational. These voices praise the maturity in deferring to Julian Nagelsmann’s judgment. A few users veer off-topic, drawing parallels to timing decisions in other fields, while others fold in club context, noting Philipp Lahm’s remarks about Vincent Kompany bringing calm to Bayern—arguing that a stable Bayern ecosystem could extend Neuer’s international shelf life. Overall, the discourse is lively, respectful toward Neuer’s legacy, and focused on the balance between form, fitness, and leadership.

Social reactions

I honestly don't know if he should come back. The German team isn't as good, maybe they'll make the knockouts but Neuer will be dragged through the mud again like 2018 and 2022 when it's not even his fault

JuppFCB (@immer_muller)

There's no point, it would be an underwhelming comeback from retirement. German squad has literal 0 chance of winning it, it's weak as shit

𝓲𝓮𝓴 (@musialakhurana)

Can't argue with that. Pavlović is spot on—Neuer is still world-class, but it's ultimately the coach's call. Reminds me a bit of the market debates, like shaneporter_ says, sometimes the obvious choice still needs the right timing.

DaleOfficial (@sharon_lew78403)

Prediction

Short term, Nagelsmann is likely to keep the goalkeeper hierarchy fluid but familiar: Neuer starts if fit and sharp in club play, with ter Stegen receiving targeted windows to maintain rhythm and readiness. Expect data-led monitoring—post-shot xG saved, high-claim success, and pressure-pass completion—to inform selection more than reputation alone.

Medium term, two scenarios dominate. Scenario A: Neuer sustains top metrics at Bayern under Kompany, Germany’s back line benefits from his communication and sweeping, and he retains the shirt through the Nations League and into the 2026 qualifiers. Scenario B: a minor injury or form trough accelerates succession, with ter Stegen taking the No.1 and Germany instituting a transitional leadership model in the back five. In both cases, Pavlović’s stance will age well; it keeps the locker room aligned regardless of the outcome.

By late 2025, expect clearer separation. If Neuer’s availability remains high and Bayern’s structure limits high-quality chances against, continuity is favored. If Barcelona’s defensive improvements elevate ter Stegen’s case statistically, pressure for change will intensify. Either way, the decision will be framed as strategic evolution, not personality politics.

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Conclusion

Pavlović’s message threads the needle Germany needed: honor the legacy, prioritize the present, and let the coach decide. It acknowledges Neuer’s enduring strengths—organization, distribution under press, and match-winning saves—without dismissing the claims of elite contemporaries. The takeaway is not a referendum on the past two World Cups; it is a blueprint for a meritocratic 2026 build-up.

For Germany, the optimal path is performance-first continuity. If Neuer’s Bayern form validates the role, stability should prevail. If competing data and on-pitch evidence point elsewhere, the transition must be decisive and fully backed by the squad. Pavlović’s tone signals that players are prepared to follow that line, insulating the team from external noise. That alignment—more than any single name on the teamsheet—will decide whether Germany enters the next cycle with clarity and competitive edge.