Hainer: Urbig? “It’s a huge challenge”

Jonas Urbig is regarded as Manuel Neuer’s successor at FC Bayern – despite initial doubts.

Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer does not want any discussion about goalkeeping talent Jonas Urbig to arise in the first place. The 23-year-old has already “established himself as the future number one and has already made his international debut. He brings exactly the right mix of qualities needed at FC Bayern: talent, personality and the determination to keep learning every day,” Hainer told *Sport Bild* ahead of Wednesday evening’s Champions League clash against Arsenal.

Urbig is regarded as the designated successor to Manuel Neuer (40). “The task of replacing a world-class goalkeeper is an enormous one,” the Bayern boss continued. But Urbig “already exudes a remarkable calm and composure and has also proven himself in big matches. We all have great faith in him for the future.” The former Cologne player has made four competitive appearances so far this season.

Kahn voices doubts

Most recently, former goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, amongst others, had voiced initial doubts. “I can’t say whether Urbig has what it takes to truly be the number one at Bayern Munich,” Kahn told Sky. Urbig is a “great talent” and a goalkeeper “who makes the unstoppable save now and then and is already very far along”. But: “I’d like to see that the moment he takes on full responsibility as the number one. That’s something completely different.”

Goalkeeping legend Sepp Maier had also recently warned against too much hype surrounding the top talent. “Jonas Urbig is in his early 20s; you’re not doing him any favours by praising him to the skies right now. I read that he performed well for the national team. Well, what exactly did he save? A few shots that were coming straight at the goal! Let him play a full season first before you start handing out accolades.”