Former Germany national team goalkeepers Oliver Kahn and Jens Lehmann have raised doubts regarding Jonas Urbig’s readiness to claim the starting role for both Bayern Munich and the national team, SPORT1 reported.

Goalkeeping Legends Question Urbig’s Readiness for Bayern Munich

Jonas Urbig enters a crucial phase of his career as the designated successor to Manuel Neuer at Bayern Munich. The 23-year-old recently made his debut for the German national team, prompting speculation about a long-term transition between the posts. However, former national goalkeeper Oliver Kahn expressed reservations during a television appearance on Sky, stating that he cannot yet confirm whether Urbig possesses the necessary quality to be number one for the German record champions. Kahn acknowledged Urbig as a magnificent talent who occasionally pulls off improbable saves, but emphasized that carrying the full responsibility of a number one goalkeeper week in and week out represents a completely different challenge.

The Shadow of Manuel Neuer Complicates the Transition

Jens Lehmann echoed similar sentiments while offering an even more cautious outlook on the young goalkeeper’s immediate prospects. Lehmann argued that Urbig is currently too young to secure the starting spot at Bayern on a permanent basis, a limitation that equally applies to the national team. Describing the 40-year-old Neuer as a paternal figure who constantly steps in to extinguish fires when mistakes occur, Lehmann pointed out the stark contrast of operating without a safety net. Kahn reinforced this perspective, noting that true status as a number one means Manuel Neuer is no longer standing behind you to absorb the pressure, leaving Urbig to prove how he handles setbacks at the highest competitive level.