"The decision is up to Manu": How Kompany plans to use Neuer in Cologne | OneFootball

Manuel Neuer will not be in goal for the cup match against Cologne due to a red card suspension. Whether he will still travel with the team is up to the Bayern captain himself.

Coach Vincent Kompany is leaving it to the 39-year-old to decide whether he will accompany the team on Wednesday. “The decision is free and up to Manu. In his mind, he has to prepare for Leverkusen, that’s his role,” said the Bayern coach at the press conference ahead of the clash with 1. FC Köln. On Saturday, the Bundesliga’s top match against the Werkself awaits.

“Anyone who wants to fly or travel with us can always do so. Don’t forget, we play again shortly after. Preparing for Leverkusen is the most important thing for him,” the coach continued.

Of course, this break does not change Neuer’s status as number one. “He is still a very active goalkeeper for Bayern Munich. I wouldn’t call him a goalkeeping coach,” Kompany said with a smile. Against Gladbach, the 39-year-old sat out so that Jonas Urbig, after his injury, could gain match practice again—a conscious decision with an eye on the important cup match in Cologne.

Freund praises Urbig and “perfect platform”

Photo: IMAGO/DeFodi Images | Photo: IMAGO/DeFodi Images,

In the 3-0 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach, Urbig performed confidently despite a controversial scene involving a debated handball. Sporting director Christoph Freund praised: “He trains really well. He is very ambitious and wants to improve every day. Of course, he also has a perfect platform here with the goalkeeper coaching team and with Manu and Ulle, two very experienced goalkeepers from whom he can learn a lot and who exchange ideas with him frequently.”

What will happen with Neuer after the season remains open. According to information from SPORT1, a possible contract extension could be discussed during the winter break—but the decision is entirely up to the player. After the 4-0 victory in the Champions League against Bruges, Neuer joked when asked: “I have to pay attention to my bones.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.