Surprise in the Bayern goal: Neuer must sit on the bench against Gladbach | OneFootball

FC Bayern could make a surprising personnel decision on the upcoming Bundesliga matchday. As reported by BILD, coach Vincent Kompany is planning to field substitute keeper Jonas Urbig against Borussia Mönchengladbach – for tactical reasons. The 22-year-old is to gain match practice in order to be optimally prepared for the DFB Cup.

While Bayern are currently on the road to success, the club’s management is already looking ahead. The DFB Cup match against 1. FC Köln is scheduled for next Wednesday – where Manuel Neuer will be missing due to suspension. The captain saw red in the last round of 16 cup tie against Bayer Leverkusen after a foul on Jeremie Frimpong and is therefore not allowed to play.

It is therefore clear that Jonas Urbig will stand between the posts in the cup – and should now celebrate 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 want to introduce Urbig to competition mode in a targeted manner. The young keeper had only recently returned after an injury break, but was able to fully convince again in training.

The idea is for Urbig to get valuable minutes against Borussia Mönchengladbach, who are currently in the bottom of the table. This will allow him to get used to the rhythm and gain confidence for the important cup game.

The 22-year-old already completed a special session with goalkeeping coach Michael Rechner on Thursday, during which an innovative training method was used: goggles that restrict the field of vision and are designed to sharpen reaction times and focus.

Neuer remains set – extension almost finalised

In the long term, however, this decision will not change the goalkeeping hierarchy at the record champions. According to the Süddeutsche Zeitung, Manuel Neuer’s contract extension until 2027 is imminent. The club is said to be ready to „put the pen in the 39-year-old’s hand“ in order to finalise the signing in the near future.

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

The captain himself has recently emphasised on several occasions that he feels „fit as a fiddle and full of energy“ – another year as number one therefore seems a mere formality.

Urbig will have to be patient – but will get his chance

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

The 22-year-old could now face his next test on Saturday. If Kompany does indeed select him, it would be Urbig’s first Bundesliga match since his injury – and at the same time the perfect preparation for the cup tie with his former club Cologne.