Jonas Urbig was surprisingly in goal for the 5-0 win over Stuttgart and impressed with a strong performance after Manuel Neuer had shown a few wobbles recently. Now the clash with Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League awaits. Urbig reveals how he rates his chances of another appearance.
After the match in Stuttgart, the 22-year-old was asked about a possible start in the Champions League. His answer was reserved: „I’m not the one who decides that.“ Despite his confident performance against VfB, there are many indications that Manuel Neuer will return between the posts for the important match against Lisbon.
Nevertheless, working with his experienced colleagues on a daily basis is a benefit for Urbig: „It’s very important. Not just with Manu, but also with Sven, who has incredible experience and is a great goalkeeper. We have a very good goalkeeping team and I’m happy to be able to help the team.“
Urbig also made a playful contribution to the success against Stuttgart. His long pass to Laimer set up the first goal – a style very reminiscent of Neuer. „Of course there are situations where I can influence the game with long balls like that. Manu’s experience and expertise definitely help me a lot.“
Fans demand more playing time for Urbig
Urbig’s performance also made waves online after the game, with many fans on X celebrating him for his vision, precise long balls and calmness on the ball. One user wrote: „What a goalkeeper, man. Those passes, my God. And with so little playing time. He was better than Neuer this season.“ Another commented: „Absolutely nothing against Neuer, but he’s worlds apart from Urbig in terms of build-up play.“ Several posts called for the 22-year-old to be given more game time in the future – some even see him as Manuel Neuer’s immediate successor.
Urbig is focused and determined for the upcoming clash with Sporting: „We have the chance to advance to the next round through the Top 8. We will prepare ourselves as best we can and give everything to win the game.“ Kick-off is at 18:45 on Tuesday evening at the Allianz Arena in Munich. Manuel Neuer will probably be in goal again.