Kompany sees Urbig as Germany's future number one
At the Munich training ground, while the sun shines over the Allianz, DFB chief Jürgen Klopp announces his first nomination as the new national team coach: Bayern coach Vincent Kompany watches attentively as Jonas Urbig is called up to the German squad – a clear signal for the future and potentially Germany’s number one.
Jürgen Klopp has added Jonas Urbig, the 23‑year‑old backup goalkeeper of FC Bayern Munich, to the German XXL squad. The nomination took place on Thursday, shortly after Klopp’s official presentation as the new national team coach. This puts Urbig in the national team’s spotlight for the first time.
For Bayern coach Vincent Kompany this decision is logical. He emphasizes that one must plan for the future, and sees Urbig as a potential candidate for the top spot.
"One must also plan for the future. If anyone thinks they will not become number one in Germany, they make a big mistake," said Kompany. He added: "He will certainly become number one in Germany at some point, but it will be up to Jürgen Klopp to decide whether that happens in one year or five years."
Urbig as Neuer’s Successor
Urbig is already considered a possible successor to Manuel Neuer. This season he will continue to be guided into the role of first‑choice goalkeeper, while he currently holds the number two spot at FC Bayern.
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The 23‑year‑old has already made two appearances this season – in the cup against Osnabrück and in the Bundesliga against Elversberg. In the past two seasons he permanently covered for Neuer during longer injury spells.
Through strong performances Urbig secured a place at the summer World Cup, where he accompanied the German national team as the fourth goalkeeper. At the same time, both Manuel Neuer and Jonas Urbig are contractually with FC Bayern.
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For the upcoming match against Serbia on October 1 in Munich, Jürgen Klopp has set Marc‑André ter Stegen as number one. Urbig remains in the squad, however, and will have to be patient a bit longer until Kompany’s prophecy possibly comes true.
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In addition to Urbig, Noah Atubolu from Eintracht Frankfurt and Finn Dahmen from FC Augsburg were nominated for the third and fourth Nations League matches. For the first two fixtures in the Netherlands on September 24 and in Augsburg on September 28, Klopp also selected Alexander Nübel from Besiktas, ter Stegen and Dahmen.