FC Bayern München want to start Jonas Urbig in goal instead of Manuel Neuer for their upcoming DFB-Pokal first-round match against VfL Osnabrück on Wednesday evening, according to head coach Vincent Kompany. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Kompany confirmed the selection plan while outlining squad updates ahead of the fixture at the Bremer Brücke.
Kompany Rules Out Permanent Cup Goalkeeper Role for Urbig
Bundesliga side, who earned promotion in May, brings fresh focus to Bayern’s secondary goalkeeping role. While reporters questioned whether Urbig would permanently claim the DFB-Pokal matches as his own, Kompany dismissed the idea of a fixed cup keeper.
The Belgian manager noted that trying a permanent cup goalkeeper arrangement ended “catastrophally,” as reported by ran.joyn.de. Instead, the situation between the posts remains identical to the previous campaign. Kompany emphasized that Urbig will receive regular appearances behind undisputed number one Manuel Neuer to keep the veteran fresh.
“We have shown an incredible amount of trust in Jonas, and he has played many important games for us, including the cup final,” Kompany said, as reported by ran.joyn.de. “Those are the milestones where you can see that he can represent us at the highest level.”
Squad Updates: Musiala Nears Return, Gnabry Progressing
Beyond the selection in goal, Kompany provided positive fitness updates regarding attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala. According to ran.joyn.de, Musiala has trained well over the past week and stands on the verge of a comeback following an optimal recovery process.
“He trained very well this week, everything went ideally as we would wish,” Kompany stated, adding that the coaching staff will wait for the right moment to reintroduce him, whether against Osnabrück, on Saturday, or the following week. Meanwhile, winger Serge Gnabry is expected to return within the next ten days, while young defender Maycon Cardozo faces a three-to-four-month absence due to a shoulder dislocation, per ran.joyn.de.
Preparing for the Atmosphere at the Bremer Brücke
Looking ahead to the mid-week cup clash, Kompany urged his players to match the physical intensity of their hosts. The Bayern boss stressed that the squad must be mentally prepared for a genuine fight, acknowledging the historic reputation of Osnabrück’s home ground.
“The most thing is to know that everything can be difficult—and that you don’t underestimate that,” Kompany said, as reported by ran.joyn.de. “I have heard a lot about the Bremer Brücke and what can happen there.”
Sporting Director Christoph Freund Addresses Deadline Day Plans
Addressing roster management ahead of the transfer deadline, Sporting Director Christoph Freund indicated that the record champions do not plan to make any incoming signings on Deadline Day. “We are very happy with our squad,” Freund told ran.joyn.de, noting that departures remain possible while transfer windows in other markets stay open.
Freund confirmed that Arijon Ibrahimovic is nearing a move to FC Augsburg, and discussions regarding Sacha Boey are ongoing. Simultaneously, Freund dismissed rumors surrounding Hiroki Ito, stating firmly that the defender will remain in Munich.
Keep reading
