The future of Manuel Neuer at FC Bayern remains one of the most exciting topics around the Säbener Straße, and now one of the club’s most influential figures, Uli Hoeneß, has clearly positioned himself
The honorary president is clearly in favor of extending the 40-year-old’s contract – but with a clearly defined role: Neuer should not only continue, but also act as a mentor for his potential successor Jonas Urbig
„If it’s up to me, we’ll try to keep him for another year and ask him to be a patron for Urbig,“ Hoeneß explained in the podcast „Auf eine weiß-blaue Tasse“
The plan behind this is clear: Neuer should pass on his enormous experience and actively accompany the transition in the Bayern goal. At the same time, the long-serving captain would have to be prepared to cut back a little in sporting terms. „He would have to give up some games so that Jonas can become his successor,“ Hoeneß made clear
Urbig is convincing – but needs playing time
Particularly interesting: Looking back, Hoeneß was self-critical, saying that he initially had doubts about Jonas Urbig, but that he now believes the 22-year-old can make the leap to number one
However, it is crucial that the young keeper also gets match practice. This is exactly where Neuer comes into play – as a leader, mentor and interim solution at the same time. „He can only do that if he plays,“ emphasized Hoeneß, underlining the importance of a controlled generational change
Good basis in the team
An important factor for this model: the relationship between Neuer and Urbig is said to be excellent. According to Hoeneß, „both get on very, very well“ – a prerequisite for such a role change to work at all
The club management also appear to be open to an extension in principle, with Neuer having already been told internally that they can imagine working with him beyond the summer
Neuer himself recently announced that he wanted to make a decision about his future in the near future, meaning that clarity could already prevail in the coming weeks
Hoeneß‘ idea provides an exciting perspective: not either or – but a joint transition between past and future
Whether Neuer follows this path is likely to be one of the decisive personnel issues at FC Bayern this summer.