Surprise in Bayern goal: Neuer faces bench role against Gladbach | OneFootball

At FC Bayern, there could be a surprising personnel decision on the upcoming Bundesliga matchday. According to a report by BILD, coach Vincent Kompany is planning to use backup goalkeeper Jonas Urbig against Borussia Mönchengladbach—for tactical reasons. The 22-year-old is supposed to gain match practice in order to be optimally prepared for the DFB-Pokal.

While Bayern are currently on a successful run, the club management is already looking ahead. Next Wednesday, the DFB-Pokal match against 1. FC Köln is scheduled—and Manuel Neuer will be absent due to a suspension. The captain was shown a red card in the last cup quarterfinal against Bayer Leverkusen after a foul on Jeremie Frimpong and is therefore not allowed to play.

This makes it clear: Jonas Urbig will be between the posts in the cup—and is now set to have his dress rehearsal against Gladbach on Saturday.

Kompany’s Plan: Cup Preparation Under Competitive Conditions

Photo: IMAGO

According to BILD, Bayern do not want to take any risks and intend to specifically prepare Urbig for competitive mode. The young keeper only recently returned from an injury break, but has managed to fully impress again in training.

The idea: Against the out-of-form Borussia Mönchengladbach, who are currently at the bottom of the table, Urbig should collect valuable minutes. This way, he can get used to the rhythm and build confidence for the important cup match.

Already on Thursday, the 22-year-old completed a special session with goalkeeping coach Michael Rechner, where an innovative training method was used: glasses that restrict the field of vision, designed to sharpen reaction speed and focus.

Neuer Remains First Choice – Extension Almost a Done Deal

In the long term, however, this decision does not change the goalkeeper hierarchy at the record champions. According to the Süddeutsche Zeitung, Manuel Neuer’s contract extension until 2027 is imminent. The club is reportedly ready to “put the pen in the 39-year-old’s hand” to seal the signature soon.

The reason for this trust: Neuer is once again delivering at a consistently high level this season. Since retiring from the national team, he has been physically relieved, and Bayern’s medical department believes he can have an injury-free future.

The captain himself has repeatedly emphasized recently that he feels “in top shape and full of energy”—another year as number one thus seems a mere formality.

Urbig Must Be Patient – But Will Get His Chance

For Urbig, the current situation means above all one thing: patience. The former Cologne player is considered a great German goalkeeping talent, but is to be gradually developed at FC Bayern. Regular Bundesliga appearances are intended to promote his development without putting him under pressure too soon.

On Saturday, the 22-year-old could now face his next test. Should Kompany actually rely on him, it would be Urbig’s first Bundesliga match since his injury—and at the same time the perfect preparation for the cup clash with his former club Köln.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.