What’s next for Manuel Neuer at FC Bayern? While the 39-year-old currently has to take a break due to injury, Stefan Effenberg has now taken a clear stance on the captain’s future – and made a clear prediction
Speaking on SPORT1 ’s „Doppelpass“, the former Bayern captain explained: „At that age, a summer break is very good for you to extend your stay at FC Bayern for another year. That’s what it will come down to: Manuel Neuer will extend for another year and give Jonas Urbig more playing time.“
Effenberg is not expecting an end to his career or an abrupt change in the Munich goal, but rather another year with Neuer – albeit in a role in which the veteran carefully introduces his potential successor
No DFB comeback for Neuer
Effenberg, however, rules out a comeback in the national team. With a view to a possible participation in the World Cup in the summer, he said: „From Neuer’s point of view, it is „absolutely right not to expose himself to these burdens any more“. And further: „He has already played all this, not just once, umpteen times. He has become world champion.“ A final round with Neuer will „not happen“, emphasised Effenberg. Neuer himself had recently made it clear that he will not return to the DFB team for the World Cup
Markus Babbel also assumes that Neuer will remain with FC Bayern for at least another season. „Manuel Neuer is totally good for Jonas Urbig,“ the 1996 European champion also said on „Doppelpass“. „He knows he can learn something from him. As I see it from the outside, Manuel is fully involved with Urbig, helps him, protects him.“
From Babbel’s point of view, it would be ideal for Urbig to experience another year with Neuer at his side as regular keeper, „and then be number one.“
Urbig faces a test
Urbig is currently in demand anyway. Neuer suffered a fibre tear in his left calf during the 3-0 away win in Bremen and will be out for several weeks. According to media reports, he will also miss the Bundesliga top match at Borussia Dortmund on 28 February
For Urbig, this means: valuable playing time – and the chance to continue to recommend himself for the future. Internally, the 22-year-old is considered the hottest candidate for the long-term successor anyway. If Effenberg’s forecast comes true, the coming season could become the final transition phase between the old and new number one.