The goalkeeper situation is currently a major concern for FC Bayern. While Manuel Neuer has recently struggled with inconsistent performance and physical issues, Jonas Urbig has drawn attention with his performances. As a result, there is increasing discussion about a possible change in goalkeeping duties at the German record champions. Coach Vincent Kompany has now explained how the Munich club is handling the situation.
At the press conference ahead of the top Bundesliga match against RB Leipzig, the Belgian made it clear that developments at the goalkeeper position are by no means being left to chance. “We always have a plan and try to stick to it. It’s great for us that Jonas is in the mix,” Kompany explained.
The Bayern coach thus sees the growing attention on Urbig primarily as confirmation of the work done so far.
Kompany: Bayern has deliberately developed Urbig
Since his move from 1. FC Köln to Munich, Urbig has been carefully introduced to the demands of the German record champions. The 23-year-old has gained more and more playing time and has also been able to prove himself on the international stage.
For Kompany, this development is the result of a long-term strategy. “We’ve been building this situation since he arrived from Cologne. We’ve let this situation develop step by step,” emphasized the 40-year-old.
Despite the young goalkeeper’s progress, the Bayern coach did not want to commit to a specific timeline for a potential generational shift.
Instead, he explicitly highlighted the importance of Manuel Neuer.
“It won’t work without Neuer.”
For Kompany, the 40-year-old captain plays a crucial role not only on the field but also in the development of his potential successor. “Manuel Neuer is a huge part of this whole story; we can’t do it without him,” the Belgian made clear.
In doing so, Kompany underscored that the experienced World Cup champion and his young challenger do not necessarily have to be viewed as rivals.
Rather, from the coach’s perspective, the Munich team benefits from the current situation. “We have a good setup—many would love to have that,” Kompany explained.
The future of Bayern’s goalkeeping position remains a much-discussed topic, however. Neuer’s contract expires in the summer of 2027, and a final decision on when he will retire has yet to be made.