„Very impressed“: Adler calls for Bayern keeper Urbig to be nominated for the World Cup | OneFootball

Jonas Urbig is playing himself into a debate that is gaining momentum shortly before the World Cup. René Adler already believes the Bayern keeper is capable of more than just a perspective role, and combines this with clear criticism of the goalkeeping discussion in the DFB team

In an interview with the Abendzeitung München newspaper, the former national goalkeeper is clearly in favor of nominating the young Bayern keeper

„I’m very impressed by Urbig.“ Adler points not only to talent, but also to the special constellation in Munich. „But the fact that he has developed in this way was also due to the support of Neuer. Neuer now shows a different composure, from which Urbig also benefits. Urbig has also been given important minutes due to injuries.“

For Adler, this is precisely the difference. „This combination, learning from a world-class keeper like Neuer plus playing at Bayern at the highest level, has helped him take one or even two steps in his development.“ That’s why he would consider Urbig for the tournament. „I would tend to take him along as one of three goalkeepers.“

Adler praises Urbig: „He practised that at Bayern“

photo: IMAGO

His role would be clearly defined: „He can do one thing that the others can’t: he can come off the bench cold. He practised that at Bayern.“ Adler is also referring to Julian Nagelsmann’s role allocation, in which Urbig would be a special option as a ready-to-go reserve

The timing of the debate is explosive because Nagelsmann will not announce the squad until 21 May. Adler shows understanding for the later announcement. A lot can still happen on the last matchday, and injuries are also a factor. In addition, every personnel debate costs energy that the national coach needs elsewhere

Adler is particularly clear about the ongoing speculation surrounding the possible return of Manuel Neuer: „The rumour mill is churning, but I don’t think the discussion is helpful. It’s not fair to Oliver Baumann either.“ For him, this is not a side issue, but a problem for the team. „The fact that we are now starting to question his position weeks before the tournament is counterproductive. We are already starting to weaken our team in a targeted way.“

Adler is also emotional about Marc André ter Stegen, who will miss his first major tournament as number one due to injury. „It’s not easy to come to terms with because it’s a lifelong dream. Something like that hurts brutally.“

Adler refers to the previous history in Barcelona and finds particularly harsh words: „He led the way there as captain for years, waived his salary so that the club could manage, and was then shown up like that and had to leave the club.“ While Baumann is being discussed and ter Stegen is out, Adler already sees Urbig as a realistic World Cup option.