Surprising DFB hierarchy: Klopp’s internal goalkeeper rankings revealed | OneFootball

Jonas Urbig apparently has more reason to be hopeful at the DFB than previously thought. National team coach Jürgen Klopp is said to have already established an internal goalkeeper ranking. According to this ranking, the Bayern keeper is in second place behind Marc-André ter Stegen.

Ter Stegen is currently Klopp’s No. 1 and will be in goal for Germany in the first Nations League match against the Netherlands. The 59-year-old confirmed this when he announced the roster. However, the national team coach emphasized that this decision is, for now, only “for the moment.”

The hierarchy behind them is reportedly already set. According to BILD’s soccer editor-in-chief Christian Falk, there is an internal ranking in which Urbig is currently listed in second place. Alexander Nübel is said to follow in third place.

“I’ve heard that there’s already an internal goalkeeper ranking. Ter Stegen is number 1, and Jonas Urbig is reportedly already number 2. Alexander Nübel is number 3,” Falk explained.

The main reason for this is reportedly Klopp’s long-term plan. The national team coach wants to set the course for the 2028 European Championship now. Marc-André ter Stegen would turn 36 during the course of the tournament.

Aleksander Nübel, on the other hand, is said not to have done himself any favors with his move to Beşiktaş Istanbul in the Turkish league, as it isn’t held in as high international regard as the Bundesliga or other top European leagues. These circumstances could open the door for Jonas Urbig.

Neuer’s departure helps Urbig

Photo: IMAGO

The future of Manuel Neuer is likely to play an important role in Klopp’s considerations. The Bayern captain is expected to retire next summer. Should Urbig subsequently rise to become the number one goalkeeper at the record champions, this could also affect his position on the DFB national team.

“If Manuel Neuer retires next summer—and that’s what’s expected—then Jonas Urbig will be Bayern’s number one goalkeeper. And as Bayern’s number one, you’re also very much in the spotlight for the national team. I think there’s going to be a competition there,” Falk explained on the Bayern Insider podcast.

Vincent Kompany also thinks highly of his protégé. The Bayern coach recently emphasized that Urbig has the long-term potential to become Germany’s number one.

For now, however, the young goalkeeper will have to wait his turn behind ter Stegen. Klopp has also made it clear that his decisions depend on performance. This already gives Urbig the opportunity to prove himself in training for further appearances and a bigger role on the DFB team.