Christoph Freund addresses relationship between Manuel Neuer and Jonas Urbig
The FC Bayern sporting director knows Urbig will have big shoes to fill one day.
MAINZ, GERMANY - APRIL 25: Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer of FC Bayern München (L) and Goalkeeper Jonas Urbig of FC Bayern München celebrate the victory after the Bundesliga match between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and FC Bayern München at MEWA Arena on April 25, 2026 in Mainz, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian El-Saqqa - firo sportphoto/Getty Images) | Getty Images While Bayern Munich fell short in the Champions League against the mighty Paris Saint-Germain, Neuer’s goalkeeping was not a point of criticism in the second leg.
Neuer made some massive saves, giving the Bavarians the opportunity to go and win the game, in which they couldn’t get over the line. Despite this, Neuer has shown he is still capable to have special performances. Now that Neuer is looking to extend his time in Munich, the conversation once again will be directed to Jonas Urbig, who is more than capable of being the number one in goal, but will have to wait to unseat Neuer from the throne.
“When you come here as a young goalkeeper like Jonas Urbig and have the opportunity to work with this goalkeeping team, that’s something special. The remarkable thing is how they treat each other. You notice there’s a very good atmosphere.
Manu is passing on his experience and producing great performances. Jonas benefits from that. Everyone knows that when someone like Manu defines an era, succeeding him is a big challenge,” Freund said about the relationship between Urbig and Neuer, as captured by @iMiaSanMia .