German Football Association denies internal rift over Neuer's World Cup return

The German Football Association (DFB) has denied claims of internal tensions over Manuel Neuer’s return to Germany’s World Cup squad. The controversy began after Neuer, 40, confirmed he was coming out of international retirement to play at the tournament, reversing his prior absence. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann’s decision to recall him, according to a report from German outlet ran, triggered unrest within the team, including allegations that goalkeeping coach Andreas Kronenberg considered resigning. The DFB rejected all such assertions, saying it denied both any unilateral decision by Nagelsmann and any resignation threat by Kronenberg. The association also denied ran’s report that Neuer pushed for Alexander Nübel to be left out, or for conditions tied to his comeback, including the requirement that Jonas Urbig be included. DFB said the discussion inside the squad was “controversial and critical,” but that the team ultimately backed the decision as a unit.