After FC Bayern’s first Bundesliga defeat of the season, an old discussion has been reignited: the goalkeeping issue. While Didi Hamann has doubts about Jonas Urbig, Lothar Matthäus demonstratively opposes an exaggerated debate
The 2-1 home draw against FC Augsburg not only resulted in two lost series, but also brought one player in particular into focus: Jonas Urbig. The 22-year-old looked unfortunate when the Fuggerstädter equalized when he dived under the ball. An individual mistake that immediately raised major questions – especially with regard to the long-term successor to Manuel Neuer
Matthäus urges objectivity
While Sky pundit Didi Hamann recently publicly doubted that Urbig could one day become FC Bayern’s number one, Lothar Matthäus struck a much calmer tone. In his Sky column, the record-breaking international took a differentiated view of the scene and shifted the focus away from the individual error
Although the goal conceded was a wrong decision by Urbig, Matthäus pointed out that the defensive work beforehand was not up to his usual standard either. The decisive factor for him: mistakes of this kind are not uncommon, even among world-class goalkeepers – Manuel Neuer has also experienced such situations in his career
Matthäus made it clear that he sees no reason to have a fundamental discussion about Urbig. Apart from two scenes – against Union Berlin and now against Augsburg – the young keeper has not been guilty of anything. On the contrary: In his previous appearances, Urbig has impressed above all with his calmness on the ball and his modern goalkeeping game, which is expressly in demand at FC Bayern
According to Matthäus, one aspect that is often overlooked in the public debate is the lack of match practice. Urbig has only made six appearances so far this season and has only played two games in a row once. However, consistency is a crucial factor for goalkeepers in particular when it comes to developing confidence and decision-making
Patience is the key
Matthäus‘ statements seem like a deliberate counterpoint to the sometimes harsh criticism from the expert camp. Instead of reflexive doubts, he calls for patience and trust – values that traditionally play a major role at FC Bayern when it comes to goalkeeping
One thing is certain: Jonas Urbig is currently the number two behind Manuel Neuer and a candidate for the future. Whether and when he actually grows into the role of regular goalkeeper will not be decided by one slip-up. This is exactly what Matthäus is aiming for – and thus provides a clear answer to the recent highly emotional debate.