"We love Jonas Urbig": Vincent Kompany praises Bayern Munich’s goalkeeping talent
With the 2026/27 season on the horizon and Bayern Munich’s pre-season preparations stepping up a notch, boss Vincent Kompany took the time to shower young goalkeeper Jonas Urbig with praise ahead of what could be a big season for the talented shot-stopper.
The news of Manuel Neuer’s retirement at the end of the upcoming season has naturally put a spotlight on Bayern’s goalkeeping situation, and specifically how much playing time his expected successor, Urbig, will get.
The Bayern boss therefore took the opportunity to make his affection for the 22-year-old ‘keeper known. "We love Jonas Urbig," enthused the Belgian. "We want him to continue his development and improve. He‘s played in the cup final for us and also in important Champions League matches."
Kompany stated his desire to give Urbig more playing time in 2026/27, while also providing a reminder that Neuer is still first-choice between the sticks.
“It's not surprising to say that our goal is to give him more playing time. When and how? That will depend on how the season unfolds. He will certainly get playing time – but at the right moments and without changing our opinion of Manu."
Watch: Neuer signals retirement
Urbig made 14 Bundesliga appearances last season in Neuer’s absence, stepping in to help Bayern storm to a second consecutive league title. His composed performances provided further evidence that he’ll be perfectly capable of picking up the first-choice baton when the legendary Neuer does eventually depart.
While the two share a strong friendship, there's still a desire to compete for the No.1 shirt from both sides, as Urbig himself explained: ”I think Manu once said while with the national team that we’re rivals who are also friends. That’s how I’d describe the relationship within the goalkeeping group as a whole."
