DFB debut under Klopp? Bayern goalkeeper Urbig remains tight-lipped | OneFootball

This could be a very special week for Jonas Urbig. On Thursday, Jürgen Klopp will announce his first roster as the new head coach of the German national team. The FC Bayern goalkeeper is among the extended pool of candidates for the German national team and has every reason to hope for a call-up.

Last weekend, Urbig once again filled in for Manuel Neuer in the 2-1 win over SV Elversberg. The 23-year-old put in a commanding performance. He was powerless to stop Maurice Krattenmacher’s spectacular equalizer.

For Urbig, it was already his 34th competitive appearance in a Bayern jersey since his transfer from 1. FC Köln in January 2025. Although he is the number 2 behind Neuer in Munich, he has already gained a fair amount of experience at the highest level.

The question now is whether Klopp will consider the Bayern goalkeeper for the national team. Urbig himself, however, does not want to address this publicly at all just yet.

Urbig Dodges Questions About the National Team

After the match in Elversberg, the Bayern goalkeeper was asked about a possible DFB call-up. His response was cautious: “First of all, we still have the match against Union Berlin. That’s where all our focus is right now. And only after that will I start thinking about anything else.”

Interestingly, the decision on the DFB squad will be made before Bayern’s next game. Klopp will announce his roster on Thursday, while Munich doesn’t host Union Berlin until Friday evening.

When Urbig was made aware of this timing, he still didn’t change his answer. “Yes, that’ll be before the match. But my focus is still on Union.”

The 23-year-old isn’t letting himself be ruffled ahead of a potentially pivotal decision for his national team career.

Fierce competition in the German goal

Photo: Getty Images

However, the competition for spots in the German goal is fierce. In addition to Urbig, Marc-André ter Stegen, Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nübel, Noah Atubolu, Mio Backhaus, and Finn Dahmen, among others, are in the running for a nomination.

Urbig has one interesting advantage: he’s already familiar with the national team environment. Under Julian Nagelsmann, the Bayern goalkeeper served as a training goalkeeper during the World Cup.

Following Manuel Neuer’s retirement, the hierarchy in the German goal must be reshuffled. This could present an opportunity for Urbig. At the same time, his situation at FC Bayern remains unique. As long as Neuer is the clear No. 1, regular playing time for the 23-year-old is not guaranteed.

We’ll have clarity on Thursday. Then we’ll see whether Klopp calls up Urbig directly to his first DFB squad. Until then, the Bayern goalkeeper himself is pointedly focusing on his club—even if the decision about his future with the national team will be made before the Union match.