Changing of the Guard in Bayern's Goal? Kompany Makes Neuer Decision

"I have a premonition," Manuel Neuer mumbled to the German press after FC Bayern's 2-2 draw in Augsburg (read more here>>>), when the question arose whether he or competitor Jonas Urbig would be in goal on Tuesday evening in the Champions League match against Viking Stavanger (from 9 PM in the LIVE ticker>>>).

Decision Made Regarding CL Match

The 40-year-old didn't look good against Michael Gregoritsch's Augsburg team on both goals conceded. He made a fatal blunder before the 0-1 by Robin Fellhauer – the new record goal in the German Bundesliga, which was scored after exactly 8.4 seconds. On the second goal, he unluckily parried the ball, allowing Ribeiro to tap it in.

Record-setter Fellhauer: "Gregoritsch whispered to me..." >>>

Now, Bayern coach Vincent Kompany and his coaching staff are said to have made a decision. As previously indicated, Jonas Urbig will guard the Munich goal. This is reported by the "Münchner Abendzeitung".

No Artificial Turf for Neuer

However, the consideration of letting Urbig play in Norway is said to have existed even before the Augsburg game. The reason for this is the artificial turf laid in Viking Stavanger's stadium.

A real changing of the guard is not yet on the horizon, however. As Bayern sporting director Max Eberl emphasized over the weekend, Neuer remains the number one. "There is absolutely no reason to question anything just because Manuel has now made a mistake," emphasized the 52-year-old.

Bayern Stick to Their Plan

The plan with Urbig hasn't changed either. He remains the number two, is to be built up as Neuer's successor, and is already planned for more frequent use this season. The 23-year-old recently did a lot of self-promotion with strong performances in the DFB goal.

If he succeeds in the CL game in Stavanger, the discussions around Neuer will likely not quiet down. However, it is nonetheless improbable that he will displace the veteran and exceptional goalkeeper anytime soon.