The violation of Manuel Neuer is the worst thing that Bayern could happen this season phase. At least until the international break, maybe even one or two games beyond, the record champions have to do without new ones. That means: even in the second leg against Bayer Leverkusen next week, Germany’s former number one will not be there. And that should be very concerned about Bavaria.
Jonas Urbig, who will replace the new, has only been in Munich since winter. Previously, he was sitting at the replacement bench in Cologne, has only trained for the past few weeks and has now been thrown into the cold water in the first leg against Leverkusen. A debut under absolutely stressful conditions – and Urbig made it quite good for that. But you have to be so honest: Leverkusen got an absolutely weak day and had little chance of scoring. Little was challenged by Jonas Urbig.
From now on he has to deliver. The other goalkeepers, Sven Ulreich and Daniel Peretz, have been outside for weeks, for the time being, both of them are probably not an option for the starting eleven. Bavaria has to rely on Urbig. It will now be crucial how the 21-year-old deals with the incredible pressure. Especially in the second leg against Leverkusen.
The 3-0 background result should let Bayern sleep a little more calmly. But it has shown a few times this season that the defense is occasionally good for a wobble. And then Bayern have a young, inexperienced goalkeeper in the box, who may have to iron out an error. The risk that he is not up to this is great.
For Jonas Urbig, Manuel Neuer’s failure is an opportunity – but this can mean both a curse and a blessing.