Criticism of Manuel Neuer is growing louder following FC Bayern’s 2-2 draw against FC Augsburg. The 40-year-old was at fault for the early deficit due to a costly mistake and didn’t look particularly comfortable on the second goal either. While many fans are now calling for a change in goal for Bayern, Neuer is receiving prominent support. Honorary President Uli Hoeneß considers the discussion about the goalkeeper’s possible retirement to be completely overblown.
Of all games, it was in the Bundesliga derby against Augsburg that Neuer got off to the worst possible start. Just eight seconds in, Robin Fellhauer put the hosts ahead after the Bayern captain made a costly mistake while attempting to clear the ball.
The goal set a new Bundesliga record. Never before in the history of Germany’s top division had a goal been scored so early.
After the final whistle, an intense discussion about Neuer’s future erupted on social media. Numerous fans demanded that Jonas Urbig be given more playing time in the future and eventually take over the role of number one.
Hoeneß defends Neuer: “Everyone is allowed to make a mistake.”
On the sidelines of the Bavarian Sports Award ceremony, Hoeneß was asked by BILD about the ongoing goalkeeper debate.
When asked whether Neuer’s time at FC Bayern was slowly coming to an end, the 74-year-old responded unequivocally. “No, not at all. Everyone is allowed to make a mistake now and then. And I find the same discussion surrounding Joshua Kimmich totally ridiculous,” Hoeneß explained.
In doing so, the Bayern honorary president demonstratively stood behind two of his most important key players.
Kimmich, too, had recently faced public criticism following his performances with the German national team. For Hoeneß, both debates are clearly overblown.
His message is clear: Individual weaker performances do not change the fundamental appreciation for long-standing key players.
Neuer admits to his own mistake
Neuer himself didn’t even try to sugarcoat his mistake after the Augsburg game. The 2014 World Cup champion was self-critical and took responsibility for the early goal conceded.
“It was a stupid mistake on my part. I had to shift the ball to my left because two players were closing in on me from the right,” explained the Bayern captain.
He then admitted that he should have handled the situation differently.
“Then I tried to find a solution. But I simply should have made a different decision.”
However, Neuer’s mistake wasn’t the only reason for the loss of points. Vincent Kompany’s team failed to capitalize on numerous high-quality scoring opportunities as the game progressed.
Urbig is waiting for his next chance
Regardless of Hoeneß’s support, the discussion about the future of Bayern’s goalkeeping position is likely to continue.
Jonas Urbig is already poised to be a potential successor. The 23-year-old has recently impressed in his appearances for the German national team and is hoping for more playing time with the record champions.
Urbig could get a chance as early as the upcoming Champions League match against Viking Stavanger. However, a possible rotation is said to have been discussed even before Neuer’s weak performance against Augsburg.
Therefore, there is currently no talk of a permanent change in goal. At least Uli Hoeneß sees no reason to declare the Neuer era at FC Bayern over prematurely.