That would be bad news for Jonas Urbig: explosive speculation about Manuel Neuer at Bayern Munich
Amid the goalkeeping debate at Bayern Munich, former goalkeeper Rene Adler has voiced a potentially explosive theory about Manuel Neuer that, if it proves true, would probably be pretty bad news for Jonas Urbig.
Adler believes the seemingly smooth changing of the guard in goal at Germany's record champions could hit a snag soon.
"If the discussion in the press now perhaps also stirs things up within the club, then I can well imagine - and the past shows this too - that Manuel Neuer will switch back into competitive mode and say: 'Come on, even if this might be my last year, I'm not giving this up so easily, and I'm not going to roll out the red carpet for you now either,'" the former Germany goalkeeper told RTL/Sky Sport. He stressed: "Manuel Neuer is still too much of a competitor for that, and he always will be."
Calls for Urbig to get more playing time have grown louder recently. Last weekend, Neuer made a shocking and historic blunder in the 2-2 draw in Augsburg, resulting in the fastest goal in Bundesliga history. The veteran also looked unfortunate for the second goal he conceded.
Coach Vincent Kompany, meanwhile, welcomes the debate. It is "nice for us", the Belgian said at the press conference before the Bundesliga match against RB Leipzig, underlining his positive view of Urbig. "We said that when he came from Cologne in January two years ago." The Munich club had expected "a year earlier" that "this discussion would come. That's good too." Bayern Munich have a "good situation" in goal, one that "many would wish for".
Manuel Neuer likely to miss RB Leipzig match: Jonas Urbig set for another appearance
Ubrig has played in goal for Bayern Munich three times so far this season, most recently in Neuer's absence during the disappointing 3-3 draw against Viking Stavanger in the Champions League. Another appearance is expected on Saturday. The 40-year-old missed Friday's final training session.
Adler believes Urbig can follow in Neuer's footsteps in the long term. But the 41-year-old recommended that Bayern Munich sign an experienced number two "to cushion the risk of having Jonas Urbig as number one". He named Oliver Baumann (TSG Hoffenheim) and Bernd Leno (FC Fulham), both of whom have been the subject of rumours recently.
In recent weeks and months, Neuer has hinted several times that he wants to end his career next summer. He has yet to make a final decision. Urbig has long been regarded as his "crown prince".
