How long will Manuel Neuer remain FC Bayern’s number one? Ahead of the start of the 2026 season, Vincent Kompany and Max Eberl spoke about Jonas Urbig’s prospects and the upheaval in goal.
During the press conference ahead of the Bundesliga match against VfL Wolfsburg, Vincent Kompany spoke at length about the goalkeeping situation. The head coach made it clear that the current constellation works well for him: „At the moment, I see the combination of Manu and Jonas as ideal, also for Jonas‘ development. Manu has already helped Jonas a lot. Jonas has also already played some very important games, in the Champions League and in the cup. We have shown that we trust Jonas. How the future will develop does not concern me at the moment. The way things are going now, it’s perfect.“
Sporting director Max Eberl also backed Urbig: „We brought Jonas in a year ago in consultation with Manu. We are very happy to have these three goalkeepers. Jonas benefits enormously from the two experienced players. We have placed our trust in him and he has repaid it 100 per cent. We have great confidence in Jonas; we believe he can achieve great things. We are confident that he will one day become FC Bayern’s number one.“
Neuer wavers, Urbig is convinced
Despite the clear pecking order , the first half of the season raises questions. Neuer played 20 competitive matches, kept six clean sheets and put in solid performances in the Bundesliga. However, the 39-year-old revealed weaknesses in the top games in particular. Several slip-ups, such as against Arsenal, caused concern – as did another muscle injury at the end of the year. It was not the first in 2025.
His contract runs until the summer of 2026, with an extension open. „Manu has done a lot for FC Bayern. He is now turning 40. We are talking about him playing at the absolute top level, which is truly exceptional. We will sit down together and see what happens next,“ explained Eberl.
While the question of Neuer’s resilience is growing louder, Urbig is gathering arguments. In five appearances in the first half of the season, he conceded just three goals, shone with a save rate of 72.7 per cent and went three games without conceding a goal. His average rating is higher than that of the veteran.
Nobody at FC Bayern is openly talking about a changing of the guard just yet, but internally they are likely to keep a close eye on how the situation develops. Urbig was brought in as a solution for the future, but is now acting like a real challenger. The balancing act between experience and new beginnings is currently working – but for how much longer? The second half of the season could provide the decisive clue as to whether Jonas Urbig is more than just positioning himself for the coming season.
