Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany has publicly declared his love for backup goalkeeper Jonas Urbig. On the Asia tour in Hong Kong, the Belgian stated: “We love Jonas Urbig!” emphasizing the 22-year-old’s importance to the club’s future.
Why this statement matters
Kompany was responding to a BILD question about how playing time will be divided between first-choice keeper Manuel Neuer (40) and Urbig. With Neuer set to retire in 2027, Urbig is being groomed as his successor, with the club planning to give him more game time. Currently, Lennart Karl and Serge Gnabry are sidelined due to injuries.
How Urbig has proven himself
Urbig has already featured in the Cup Final on May 23, 2025 (3:0 vs Stuttgart) and key Champions League matches. Kompany stressed: “He will get playing time-but at the right moments.” For Friday’s friendly against Aston Villa, however, Neuer starts as captain.
What’s next
The season will reveal how Kompany manages the goalkeeper rotation. Urbig, fresh from training with the Germany national team at the World Cup, played 90 minutes in the 2:1 test win over Jeju SK. Joshua Kimmich and Bara Sapoko Ndiaye are currently out injured.
