The goalkeeper debate at FC Bayern continues to heat up. Following the disappointing 2-2 draw against FC Augsburg, Manuel Neuer is facing increasing criticism. The 40-year-old didn’t look good on either goal. Now, there could be a change between the posts as early as the upcoming Champions League match against Viking Stavanger.
The early goal conceded against Augsburg, in particular, sparked a lot of discussion. After just eight seconds, Robin Fellhauer put the hosts ahead. This was preceded by a costly mistake by Neuer, who thus unwittingly played a part in the fastest goal in Bundesliga history.
The Bayern captain didn’t look particularly good on Augsburg’s second goal either. After the final whistle, however, Neuer was willing to admit only to his own mistake. Nevertheless, criticism of his performances has grown significantly louder.
Nearly 90 percent of Bayern fans want to see Urbig
As reported by *kicker*, Neuer could be given a rest for Tuesday’s Champions League away game against Viking Stavanger. Instead, Jonas Urbig is likely to take his place between the posts.
Interestingly, discussions about a possible goalkeeper change are said to have taken place even before Neuer’s poor performance against Augsburg. One reason for this is apparently the artificial turf on which the match in Norway will be played.
Nevertheless, recent events have made this personnel decision even more contentious.
In a poll conducted by *kicker*, nearly 90 percent of participating fans voted in favor of a change in Bayern’s goal. They want Urbig to start in place of Neuer.
The result shows just how strong the desire for a change has become among those surveyed. However, the poll is not representative of the entire Bayern fan base.
Urbig is pushing for his chance after strong performances for the DFB
For Urbig, this could present the next opportunity to prove his qualities at the highest level.
The 23-year-old recently caught the eye of the German national team. Under head coach Jürgen Klopp, the Bayern goalkeeper made his first two international appearances and kept a clean sheet in both matches.
With these performances, Urbig has made a strong case for more playing time with the record champions.
The Munich club already views the young goalkeeper as the long-term successor to Neuer. So far, however, the 2014 World Cup champion remains the clear number one under Vincent Kompany.
Following the Augsburg match, the question is now increasingly being raised as to how long this hierarchy will remain in place.
Kompany faces a difficult decision
For Kompany, the situation is quite delicate. On the one hand, Neuer, as a longtime key player and leader, continues to enjoy great trust. On the other hand, Urbig is supposed to be gradually introduced to the role of future number one.
A start in Stavanger could therefore offer several advantages at once. Neuer would get a break, while Urbig could gain further international experience.
However, such a move would not automatically be seen as a permanent change in the starting lineup. After all, these considerations are said to have been in place even before the Augsburg game.
Nevertheless, the Bayern coach’s decision is likely to be closely watched. Should Urbig impress again in Norway, the discussion about the future of the Munich goal could gain further momentum.