Manuel Neuer and Jonas Urbig ensure calm in the Bayern goal. Sports director Christoph Freund speaks of a „perfect situation“ for the record champions
Since his move from FC Schalke 04 to FC Bayern in the summer of 2011, Manuel Neuer has been the undisputed number one between the posts at Munich. At 39, the 2014 World Cup winner may be in the late autumn of his career, but the German record champions are by no means in turmoil in the goalkeeping position – on the contrary
In Jonas Urbig, Bayern have long had a highly talented successor in the squad who is being carefully developed. In an interview with the Münchner Merkur/tz, sporting director Christoph Freund spoke openly about the current constellation – and had some clear words to say
Freund raves about Neuer as a mentor
„There couldn’t be a better teacher for a young goalkeeper than Manuel Neuer,“ emphasized Freund, describing the current situation in the Bayern goal as a „perfect situation.“ The Austrian particularly emphasized how exceptionally professionally Neuer handles his role – also in the knowledge that the future belongs to a younger player
The fact that the captain is now prepared to give Jonas Urbig specific playing time is anything but a matter of course. Neuer is „in a different phase of his career“, but is handling it „exceptionally well“. Freund emphasised not only the sporting dimension, but also the human dimension: Neuer supports Urbig, regularly exchanges ideas with him and actively seeks dialogue. „That is a great quality – both in sporting and human terms,“ said the Bayern sports director
No deadline for Neuer’s decision
Meanwhile, it remains to be seen what will happen with Manuel Neuer beyond the summer. His contract expires at the end of the season, an extension is still possible, but has not yet been decided. One thing is clear: FC Bayern does not want to put any pressure on its long-serving leading player
„There will be no pressure and no deadline from our side, but an open exchange,“ Freund clarified. Neuer should decide for himself how to proceed – depending on his physical condition, performance level and personal motivation
FC Bayern are convinced that they are well equipped for both scenarios. Whether with Neuer as number one or with Urbig as the next step in a new goalkeeping era, there is currently one thing above all else between the posts at Säbener Straße – calm.