Neuer praises Urbig
Manuel Neuer has said that he thinks Jonas Urbig, his designated successor in the goal of the FC Bayern München, is also the right choice for the future number one in the national team. «I believe that one can definitely trust him. He has shown that in all competitions. Whether it's now the Bundesliga, the cup or also internationally in the Champions League», said Neuer (40) to the TV channel Sky about Urbig (23). «I have a very good feeling about it.» Neuer was recalled by the then national coach Julian Nagelsmann for the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. His Munich teammate Urbig was there as a fourth goalkeeper or training goalkeeper. He was not part of the official squad with the goalkeepers Neuer, Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nübel. In the end, the DFB team was eliminated in the first knockout round against Paraguay. ## «That would have been really bitter...» «You're first in a small hole, in a down, that everyone has to process for themselves. For me, it was actually very good that I didn't end my career, but that it still goes on, that one still has further goals in professional football. That would have been really bitter if that had been my last game as a footballer», said Neuer, who had confirmed his departure from the DFB jersey after the World Cup. Jürgen Klopp trusts him as Nagelsmann's successor as national coach. «I believe he has the greatest expertise and I hope he will advance German football», Neuer said. ## Neuer wants to «stay true to football» The 2014 World Champion still has a contract with the FC Bayern for the upcoming season and will probably go into his 21st and last season as a professional footballer. «No, so 100 percent is not the case. It's not even carved in stone, but the probability is high», said Neuer about a possible career end in 2027. Neuer will help his designated successor Urbig build up in the current season at the FC Bayern. In the upcoming season, the former Fürth goalkeeper could therefore get more playing time than he did last season. Neuer wants to stay in the football industry after his final career. It is «basically» so, «that I don't want to become a trainer, but I want to stay true to football», he said.
