Bayern Munich chief jumps in support of Manuel Neuer

It was the main topic of discussion in yesterday’s Augsburg game. For the football world, the headline read: ‘Fastest goal in Bundesliga history’. The subjective Bayern Munich fan made of it: ‘The umpteenth blunder by Manuel Neuer’.

Augsburg’s goalscorer Robin Fellhauer unknowingly sparked an ongoing debate. Is Neuer past his prime? Bayern Munich legend Uli Hoeneß does not think so. Hoeneß backed Neuer in August this year.

While speaking to SportBild in the summer, Uli Hoeness had insisted that the veteran goalkeeper still has a lot to contribute and that he remains hungry to achieve more success with the team. The comments of Hoeness helped squash any suggestions of Bayern signing a new goalkeeper in the summer, as they consider Neuer the first team's number one.

Fans have been debating the Neuer discussion for several years

In ‘inner fan circles’ in Bayern, the idea does not hold water. The main argument Allianz Arena supporters agree on is that Neuer is important for the dressing room, especially for the younger players, given all his experience.

But the quality of goalkeeping from the ‘Sweeper Keeper’ is no longer as convincing. Almost two years ago, the Gelsenkirchen-born ‘Manu’ extended his contract until 2026. At that time, fans began to stir on the Offizieles Bayern Forum, for example.

Bayern Munich are looking at number two goalkeepers

Bayern were linked with several goalkeepers during the international break. Urbig is expected to be the first-choice goalkeeper when Neuer retires, but they need a sound backup option for him.

For years, fans believed Alexander Nübel would be the new goalkeeper. But he was loaned out every time. Eventually, the club saw more potential in 1. FC Köln’s young star Jonas Urbig. He has been at the club for almost three years and is being slowly but surely integrated into Bayern’s goalkeeping rotation.

But why not choose him already?

Urbig seems to have already replaced Marc-André Ter Stegen in the German national squad, showing very solid goalkeeping against Serbia and Greece in the Nations League. He also made a good impression in his Bundesliga match against Elversberg. Maybe the ‘real’ promotion to number-one goalkeeper is just the final nudge.

Hoeness' statement will probably have great influence

But that does not apply to Uli Hoeness. He, again, supports Neuer unconditionally. After the 2-2 draw against Augsburg on Saturday, Hoeness told SportBild (via iMiaSanMia) that one mistake doesn't put Neuer's place in jeopardy.

No, not at all. Everyone is allowed to make a mistake once in a while. And I find the same discussion around Joshua Kimmich to be totally ridiculous. The players who are being hyped up now must first become regular starters at their clubsUli Hoeness

There’s no beating around the bush about that. And every time such a Bayern legend makes a statement like that, it does indeed have influence.

But Vincent Kompany stands for a serious decision path. Why not choose Urbig already and make clear to him and the fans who will be the distinct number two?

There is still a long season to play – also behind the net.

Bayern Munich drop points against Augsburg on matchday 5 of the Bundesliga

Bayern Munich U19 clinch emphatic 6-1 win against Regensburg

Bayern Munich chief speaks about contract talks with Michael Olise

Bundesliga Matchday 5: Bayern Munich resume action with trip to Augsburg

Bayern Munich starlet among final 2026 Golden Boy nominees after his breakout season