Nagelsmann Strips Neuer of Germany Captaincy As Feud With Goalkeeper Deepens

• Manuel Neuer has been told he will not regain the Germany captaincy
• Neuer and Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann have an unsettled feud
• Nagelsmann says Ilkay Gundogan will be retained as national captain

Julian Nagelsmann has seemingly not forgotten his feud with Manuel Neuer and is set to drop the goalkeeper as Germany’s captain on his return from a long-term injury.

There has been bad blood between the newly appointed manager and Neuer after they clashed during the manager’s time at Bundesliga champions, Bayern Munich, leading to his sacking.

According to GOAL, Nagelsmann has decided that Neuer will not be reinstated as captain when he returns from his skiing injury, instead opting to designate Barcelona midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan as the permanent captain.

"Ilkay will remain captain. It's important that we have continuity there."

Neuer’s issues with Naglesmann started when the veteran goalkeeper was reportedly unhappy with the former Bayern Munich boss's decision to sack goalkeeping coach, Toni Tapalovic last year.

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Neuer to make first game appearance

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s team doctors and goalkeeper coaches have given the green light for Neuer’s to play in the Bundesliga match against Mainz on October 21, Daily Sport reports.

The veteran goalkeeper has been out of action for over 10 months after breaking his leg in a skiing incident while on holiday after Germany’s elimination from the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Despite his lengthy absence from competitive matches, Neuer is anticipated to return to the field right away, though the final decision now lies with Thomas Tuchel and the keeper himself.

Manuel Neuer suffers injury setback

Sports Brief previously reported on Bundesliga champions, Bayern Munich suffering a massive blow after keeper, Neuer reportedly suffered a significant setback in his recovery from injury.

The 2014 World Cup winner was ruled out for the rest of the season after breaking his leg while skiing in December, with Yann Sommer brought in from Borussia Monchengladbach to cover.

Neuer was set to return to pre-season training with the Bavarians but the latest setback meant the team would have to do medical checks to determine when the 37-year-old could return.