Jonas Urbig is considered the future number one at FC Bayern. However, Dietmar Hamann warns against hyping up the 23-year-old too soon.
At FC Bayern, preparations for the post-Manuel Neuer era have been underway for some time. Jonas Urbig is expected to eventually succeed the 40-year-old and is being specifically groomed internally for the role of future number one.
But a debate has recently emerged surrounding the 23-year-old as to whether he actually already possesses the caliber needed to permanently guard the goal for the German record champions.
Dietmar Hamann is among those who, despite all the positive impressions, are still urging caution.
“What Urbig does well is exude calm. But it’s a whole different story for him to play 15 games or to be the first-choice goalkeeper in Munich,” the former Bayern pro told Sport BILD.
“I’d be a bit cautious there…”
For Hamann, the shift in expectations is particularly crucial if Urbig is ever to permanently succeed Manuel Neuer.
“Right now, he has nothing to lose. But being number one is something entirely different. I believe he’s capable of it, but I’m far from saying he’s guaranteed to be number one in Munich for the next five years. It takes more than that. I’d be a bit cautious about the hype surrounding Urbig,” he said.
Hamann isn’t questioning the national team goalkeeper’s fundamental quality. Rather, the 53-year-old is warning against taking his performances so far as a guarantee of long-term success as Bayern’s starting goalkeeper.
The pressure in Munich is likely to be on a whole different level once Urbig is no longer acting as a challenger behind Neuer but is instead expected to be the number one every week. Hamann’s assessment is aimed precisely at this distinction.
At FC Bayern itself, however, the assessment is significantly more optimistic. President Herbert Hainer recently gave Urbig his full backing, stating that the goalkeeper possesses precisely the mix of talent, personality, and willingness to learn that the record champions need.
On the field as well, Urbig has made a strong case for himself in recent months. The 23-year-old impressed during his appearances for Bayern with his composure and sharp reflexes, and he also kept clean sheets in his first two international matches for Germany against Serbia and Greece.
His development is therefore set to be further accelerated in Munich. Urbig is expected to receive more playing time this season and to feature more frequently in important matches.
Hamann’s message is nevertheless clear: Good performances as a backup are one thing. In his view, being the undisputed number one at FC Bayern for years is an entirely different challenge.