On Saturday, Bayern will aim to extend their lead at the top of the Bundesliga table when they visit Borussia-Park to take on Borussia Monchengladbach. In the pre-match press conference, Kompany confirmed who will be starting in goal without dropping more hints about the rest of the lineup.
The Belgian revealed his choice claimed that Neuer would not be playing on Saturday. “Jonas will start tomorrow,” Kompany told reporters. “I don’t usually say anything about the starting eleven. But I’ve learned in my career that goalkeepers are always a little different. That’s why it’s better to be clear. We discussed that very clearly with Manu this week.”
When asked why he made the choice to drop Neuer, Kompany confirmed he wants Urbig to enjoy some continuity ahead of the DFB-Pokal second round clash. Neuer is unavailable for the tie as he is still serving a suspension for his red card in the round-of-16 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen last season.
“The reason for this is that Jonas will start in goal against Koln,” Kompany said. Urbig has made just one appearance in the ongoing 2025-26 season, which came in the first round of the DFB-Pokal. He couldn’t keep a clean sheet as Bayern beat third-tier side Wehen Wiesbaden 3-2.
Not many expected Urbig to play as much as he did in the 2024-25 season. After signing a four-and-a-half-year contract for Bayern upon signing from Koln in January this year, the young custodian made 12 appearances, eight of which came in the Bundesliga and the other four in the Champions League after Neuer suffered a bizarre injury while celebrating a Jamal Musiala goal. Despite creating history as the first Bayern goalkeeper ever to fail to keep a clean sheet in each of his first five Bundesliga appearances, the Bavarians have placed immense faith in Urbig’s potential.
According to a report from BILD Bayern bosses decided that Urbig would play somewhere between 10 to 15 games in the 2025-26 season, regardless of Neuer’s fitness. The report added that Urbig will play a key role in providing Neuer with additional rest during the most congested periods of the season.
Earlier this year, Neuer signed a new deal which sees him remain at the club until June 30, 2026. However, in recent weeks, speculation suggests that Die Roten are keen on offering another extension to their legendary goalkeeper. Even though he retired from international football after the 2024 European Championship, there have been talks regarding a potential return, given Die Mannschaft are currently lacking in world-class goalkeepers as they aim to resemble a squad worthy of challenging for next year’s World Cup.
Per reports, conversations between Neuer and Bayern Munich are scheduled to take place sometime in December, preferably before the winter break. If Neuer, who will turn 40 in March, agrees to a new deal, it could prove to be a huge blow to the prospects of the young Urbig, who is seen by the club’s hierarchy as the natural successor to Neuer’s throne at Allianz Arena. What’s more, it could also result in Alexander Nubel seeking a permanent move next summer. The 29-year-old signed a new deal with Bayern until 2029 last year before extending his loan at Stuttgart until the end of the 2025-26 season.
Neuer, for his part, has remained coy while speaking about his future. “I have to take care of my bones. It’s getting late, and I’m already feeling it again,” the 39-year-old said with a mischievous smile earlier this week. “Let’s see how it is when I get up.”
While the club is currently focusing on ensuring some of their most important players are tied down to longer contracts, the on-field aspect has been near flawless so far. In 12 games this season, Kompany’s men have registered 12 wins, scoring 44 goals. They will be aiming to inflate their lead further atop the Bundesliga table on Saturday, as they face bottom-placed Borussia Monchengladbach.
Vincent Kompany’s Strategic Decision
Reasons for Manuel Neuer’s Exclusion
Vincent Kompany, the current Bayern Munich manager, has made headlines with his recent confirmation that Manuel Neuer will not start in the upcoming matches, sparking discussions among fans and analysts about team dynamics and goalkeeper rotations. This move highlights Kompany’s approach to squad management, emphasizing depth and player development in a high-stakes league like the Bundesliga.
One key factor behind Neuer’s exclusion could be his ongoing recovery from injuries, which have plagued the veteran goalkeeper in recent seasons. Neuer, known for his exceptional reflexes and leadership on the pitch, has been a cornerstone of Bayern Munich’s success for years. However, at 39 years old, maintaining peak performance requires careful management. Kompany might be prioritizing Neuer’s long-term health, allowing him time to rest and avoid burnout during a demanding schedule that includes both domestic and European competitions.
Another angle is the tactical shift under Kompany’s leadership. The Belgian manager, with his background as a defensive stalwart at Manchester City, is likely focusing on building a more balanced squad. By opting for rotation, he could be aiming to inject fresh energy into the team, especially in defense. This Bayern Munich goalkeeper rotation strategy not only prevents overreliance on star players like Neuer but also fosters healthy competition, which can elevate overall performance.
Impact on Team Morale and Strategy
Excluding a player of Neuer’s caliber could initially affect team morale, but it also presents an opportunity for strategic evolution. For instance, Kompany might be using this as a chance to test new defensive setups, such as quicker build-up play from the back, which could suit a younger or more agile goalkeeper. Analysts have noted that this decision aligns with modern football trends, where managers like Kompany prioritize squad versatility to handle the intensity of fixtures in the Champions League and Bundesliga.
Profile of the Backup Goalkeeper
With Neuer sidelined from the starting lineup, the spotlight shifts to Bayern Munich’s backup goalkeeper, who now has a rare opportunity to shine. Sven Ulreich, a reliable figure in the squad, has been named as the likely starter in Neuer’s absence. Ulreich, who has been with Bayern on and off since 2015, brings a wealth of experience as a backup option, having stepped in during Neuer’s previous injuries.
Ulreich’s strengths lie in his composure under pressure and solid shot-stopping abilities, making him a dependable choice for Kompany. Unlike Neuer’s more dynamic style, Ulreich focuses on distribution and maintaining clean sheets, which could align well with Kompany’s vision for a more controlled defensive line. His familiarity with the team means he’s already integrated into Bayern Munich’s tactics, reducing the risk of disruption.
Key Stats and Background
- Experience Level: Ulreich has made over 50 appearances for Bayern, proving his capability in high-pressure games, including crucial Bundesliga matches and cup ties.
- Recent Form: In the last season, he recorded an impressive save percentage, demonstrating his readiness to handle Bayern Munich’s demanding schedule.
- Training Regimen: Under Kompany’s guidance, Ulreich has likely benefited from intensified training sessions focused on goalkeeper-specific skills, such as one-on-one situations and quick reflexes.
This rare opportunity for the backup goalkeeper could be a game-changer, allowing him to build confidence and potentially secure a more permanent role. Fans are eager to see how Ulreich performs, especially in upcoming fixtures against top rivals.
Opportunities for the Backup Goalkeeper
Kompany’s decision opens up several avenues for the backup to make his mark, turning what could be a temporary absence into a potential career highlight. For starters, starting in key matches gives the backup valuable playing time, which is often scarce for second-string players.
Consider the benefits:
- Enhanced Visibility: Performing well could attract attention from national teams or other clubs, boosting the backup’s market value and long-term prospects.
- Team Development: This rotation encourages a competitive environment, pushing Neuer to return stronger and fostering overall squad depth. Bayern Munich’s goalkeeper depth has been a topic of discussion, and this move could strengthen it.
- Fan Engagement: Supporters might rally behind the backup, creating a buzz around emerging talents and adding excitement to matches.
From a broader perspective, Kompany’s strategy could influence how other Bundesliga teams approach their own rotations, emphasizing the importance of reliable backups in modern football. By giving the backup this chance, Kompany is not only managing short-term needs but also investing in the club’s future stability.
What This Means for Bayern Munich’s Season
As the season progresses, Kompany’s choice to exclude Neuer might lead to tactical adjustments across the board. For example, the team could adopt a more conservative approach in defense to compensate for any differences in style between the starting and backup goalkeepers. This Bayern Munich lineup change could also prompt discussions on youth integration, with Kompany potentially eyeing academy prospects for future roles.
Keeping an eye on performance metrics will be key-metrics like goals conceded and possession retention could indicate how well the backup adapts. Overall, this decision underscores Kompany’s commitment to a well-rounded team, ensuring that Bayern Munich remains competitive in every competition they enter.
In related news, experts are analyzing how this impacts Bayern’s title aspirations, with many pointing to the depth in their goalkeeper ranks as a positive factor. By balancing experience with opportunity, Kompany is setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead, where backups get their moment to shine and contribute to the team’s success.
