The goalkeeping discussion at FC Bayern continues to gather pace after the home defeat against FC Augsburg – and Didi Hamann has some strong words to say
The Sky pundit does not believe Jonas Urbig is capable of succeeding Manuel Neuer and at the same time questions the strategic decisions of those responsible in Munich. For Hamann, the 22-year-old’s latest performance was not a slip-up, but a further indication that he is not yet ready for the really big role at the record champions
Hamann sees a structural problem with Urbig
The debate was triggered by Urbig’s momentous mistake in the 75th minute, when he jumped under the ball at a corner kick to set up Augsburg’s equalizer. For Hamann, however, it wasn’t just this scene that was decisive. The young keeper also looked unsure in other situations, such as when he headed the rebound against Alexis Claude-Maurice, which almost led to the next goal conceded
On Sky90, Hamann was therefore adamant: „You need a robust goalkeeper who you can rely on.“ Although the 51-year-old conceded that Urbig could still develop, he added: „I have doubts as to whether he could do that next season.“ Above all, Hamann sees the lack of match practice as a central problem. „You don’t become a better goalkeeper on the bench, you only get experience in the game. If Neuer continues, he has hardly kept a goal in two and a half years – how is that supposed to work?“
His conclusion is correspondingly harsh: „I don’t think Urbig can ever become Bayern’s number one.“
Criticism of Bayern’s transfer policy: Donnarumma as a missed opportunity
Hamann was even clearer when it came to Bayern’s strategic planning. Should Manuel Neuer actually end his career in the summer, he sees the record champions facing a serious problem. A problem that he believes could have been avoided
„I would have tried everything to get Donnarumma,“ explained Hamann, referring to the financial dimensions of other Bayern contracts. If the club is prepared to spend large sums on contract extensions and salaries, this must also apply to the goalkeeping position. For Hamann, it is clear: „This is the most important position. You will only win the Champions League if you have a great goalkeeper.“
With Gianluigi Donnarumma, who opted for Manchester City in the summer, Bayern would have had „five or six years of peace and quiet“ according to Hamann. Instead, Munich have opted for Neuer – and for Urbig as a prospective successor. Whether this plan will work out can at least be questioned after recent performances.