Augsburg’s Finn Dahmen talks modern goalkeeping, Manuel Neuer and World Cup prospects with Germany

Fresh off the back of a record-breaking individual performance against Bayer Leverkusen on Matchday 30, we sat down with Augsburg’s Finn Dahmen to discuss the requirements of a modern goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, World Cup chances with Germany and more…

Bundesliga: You faced 36 shots against Bayer Leverkusen last time out, and yet your team still won. In doing so, you set a new Bundesliga record, but did it feel like a record-breaking performance?

Dahmen: “Yes, it did. Straight after the game I didn’t know that it was a record. But of course, there were a quite a lot - a bit too many in my opinion, so I would be happy if in the next few games, we didn’t concede as many chances. But I’m very happy that I could help the team and that we could get the three points.”

Watch: Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 Augsburg – highlights

Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 Augsburg18.04.2026

Bundesliga: Your coach said that a highlight video of your performance in the Leverkusen game would be 10 minutes long. How important is Manuel Baum’s trust to you?

Dahmen: “It’s very important. From the first second he’s been here, he’s been talking a lot to me and talking a lot to key players on the team, I think. He listens to our opinions and is very close with the team. I’m really enjoying working with him.”

Bundesliga: What is your assessment of this season, given the managerial change and subsequent stabilisation under Baum?

Dahmen: “It’s been quite exciting. There have been a lot of new experiences. In the summer, everything was new. We had a very interesting pre-season and every day there was new input. But for whatever reason, it didn’t work out as we had hoped. We had a difficult time before the winter break.

“When Manuel came, the situation changed a bit. He changed a few things which maybe fitted our team a bit better. Since then, I think we’ve been doing a really good job. I think we can be proud of what we’ve been doing since December.”

About the players

1

Finn

Dahmen

Goalkeeper

FC Augsburg

Bundesliga: What exactly has Baum changed?

Dahmen: “Of course, our tactics are a bit different. Our style is closer to how we played last season or two seasons ago. I think it’s very important to him that the strikers, the midfield, and the defenders are very close together, and I think we can see that in our game. But still, he also listens to us players. On the ball, we find a good mixture of long and short balls, and I think we just need to keep on going like that.”

Bundesliga: Baum was a goalkeeper himself – does he give you tips?

Dahmen: “No, he leaves that to our goalkeeping coach. Of course, he sees things similar to how I see them because he’s held my perspective in his years as a player. But I think he leaves the key tips to the goalkeeping coach.”

Augsburg's record under Baum (r.) stands at seven wins, five draws and six losses from 18 Bundesliga outings. - IMAGO/Steffie Wunderl

Bundesliga: On that topic, how has the goalkeeping role changed in recent years from your perspective?

Dahmen: “It’s definitely changed a lot. For quite a few years now, it’s been very important that you can also play with your feet. I’m very often involved in the build-up from the back, and I have a key role in that. Of course, I think the role of goalkeeper is so complex that you have to be able to do so many things like catch crosses and always play behind the defence. But the main point is of course to keep a clean sheet and try to save as many shots as possible.”

Bundesliga: Why do goalkeepers have to play with their feet more often now?

Dahmen: “Probably because it’s one player more who can help the team. I think if you want to play with the ball more, it’s easier to start from the back. That’s clear. I think it’s also one of my strengths. That’s why we use it.”

Watch: Dahmen's top 5 Bundesliga saves

Watch: Finn Dahmen's top 5 Bundesliga saves15.03.2025

Bundesliga: Is Manuel Neuer behind this change?

Dahmen: “Definitely. I think he was one of the first to be able to play really well with his feet. But Neuer is definitely one of the best goalkeepers ever, so I think he’s done a lot for the position.”

Bundesliga: Is there a goalkeeper you’ve ever looked up to, or one you still look up to?

Dahmen: “As a child, it was definitely the Germany national team goalkeepers at the time. When I was very small, it was probably Oliver Kahn. Then Neuer for many years. I also always liked Marc-André ter Stegen, but I never tried to copy a goalkeeper. I have my own style.”

Watch: Neuer's best save every season

Manuel Neuer's best save every season29.03.2026

Bundesliga: You’re now 28 years old and statistically one of the best keepers in the Bundesliga. What are your goals for the next few years?

Dahmen: “First of all, it’s to stay healthy and play as many games as possible at the highest level. Of course, this season, I want to enjoy all I can with Augsburg. Then we will see what happens next year. Of course, my dream is to play in the Champions League some day, or to maybe play a few games for the national team. But everything is step by step.”

Dahmen has been called up for each of Germany's last four international camps, but is still yet to make his debut. - Alexander Hassenstein

Bundesliga: What would it mean to you to be part of the Germany squad for the upcoming World Cup, and how do you assess your chances?

Dahmen: “It would mean a lot to me. I think it’s the biggest event in football. Of course, it’s only every four years - that’s why it’s so special. I’m hoping that the manager will call me up of course. But I don’t want to put myself under too much pressure. It’s their decision and they will decide what’s best. I’ve been with the national team quite a few times now. Of course, the last time I arrived a few days later because I wasn’t the first choice. I don’t know – I think I’m the wrong person to ask about assessing my chances.”

About the clubs

Augsburg

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