Bayern Munich congratulate keeper Jonas Urbig on first Bundesliga clean sheet | OneFootball

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Jonas Urbig’s Bundesliga baptism by fire hasn’t exactly been a pleasant experience for the 21-year-old. Although he did twice keep a clean sheet against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, the winter signing from FC Köln conceded nine goals in his five league starts.

A horrible error during a matchday 26 draw with Union Berlin called into question his ability to compete at the highest level. Thankfully for the planned successor to Bayern legend Manuel Neuer, Urbig was finally able to commemorate his first Bundesliga clean sheet against Heidenheim on Saturday.

Urbig delivered a fine performance at the Voith Arena. The youngster seemed very relieved when speaking in the mixed zone afterwards. Teammate Joshua Kimmich and FCB board-member-for-sport Max Eberl also spoke on Urbig’s very important professional step.

“I wouldn’t describe it as a weight being lifted off my shoulders,” Urbig said afterwards. “I’m just happy to succeed with the team. I’ve gained a lot of experience both athletically and personally being forced to play unexpectedly. I’ve learned a lot and am pleased about every minute I’ve played.”

“I’ve felt sorry for him at times because some things happened that weren’t his fault,” Kimmich added. “Standing between the posts as Manu’s [Neuer’s] replacement are certainly factors that don’t make it any easier. I still think he can do it. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have signed him.”

“Jonas is a very talented goalkeeper and exactly what we had in mind when we made the decision [to sign him],” Eberl said. “He has performed very well in recent weeks, showing great potential and doing very well in replacing Manu.”

GGFN | Peter Weis