Sports · Football · 3 hrs ago
Sepp Maier backs Manuel Neuer amid calls for change at Bayern
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is facing more criticism after a mistake against Augsburg led to a goal just 8.4 seconds into their 2-2 draw.
It was the fastest goal in Bundesliga history.
Former Bayern goalkeeper Sepp Maier says Neuer remains a very good player and should not be judged by his age or recent errors alone.
He also cautioned against building up young Bayern goalkeeper Jonas Urbig before he has played a full season.
Some have suggested promoting Urbig to Bayern’s first-choice goalkeeper during this season.
Former Germany captain Lothar Matthäus says Urbig has the ability to take that role, but Neuer’s performances will determine when the change happens.
The debate is about whether Bayern should keep relying on Neuer or give Urbig the number-one spot sooner.
Sepp Maier has defended Manuel Neuer as criticism of the Bayern goalkeeper grows after a costly mistake.
Maier said Neuer remains a very good goalkeeper and urged critics to leave him alone.
He also warned against prematurely praising Jonas Urbig, Neuer’s potential successor.
Lothar Matthäus said Urbig could become the No. 1 goalkeeper, with the timing depending on Neuer’s performances.
Neuer’s mistake in Bayern’s 2-2 draw at Augsburg led to the fastest goal in Bundesliga history.
- Who
- Sepp Maier defended Manuel Neuer. Lothar Matthäus also commented on Neuer and Jonas Urbig.
- What
- Maier opposed calls to change Bayern’s goalkeeper and warned against building up Urbig too soon.
- When
- Maier’s comments were reported on 12 October 2026, after Bayern’s Saturday match at Augsburg.
- Where
- The debate concerns the goalkeeper position at Bayern Munich.
- Why
- Neuer faced increased criticism after a mistake led to a goal just 8.4 seconds into the Augsburg match.
Sepp Maier
Lothar Matthäus
Neuer's standing
Sepp Maier
Maier said Neuer remains a very good goalkeeper and has earned substantial credit for his achievements.
Lothar Matthäus
Matthäus said Neuer’s performances will determine when Urbig replaces him.
Urbig's promotion
Sepp Maier
Maier said Urbig should play a full season before receiving praise and opposed promoting him prematurely.
Lothar Matthäus
Matthäus said Urbig has the qualities to become No. 1 for Bayern and the national team.
Manuel is still a very good one.
Leave Manu alone!
Whether it is this season or next season will depend on Neuer's performances.
Neuer made a mistake 8.4 seconds into Bayern’s 2-2 draw at Augsburg, leading to the fastest goal in Bundesliga history.
Criticism of Neuer grew, and some raised the possibility of promoting Jonas Urbig to Bayern’s No. 1 goalkeeper during the season.
Maier publicly backed Neuer and rejected calls to prematurely elevate Urbig.
- Match result
- Bayern drew 2-2 at Augsburg
- Goal time
- 8.4 seconds after kick-off
- Bundesliga record
- Fastest goal in Bundesliga history
- Neuer's mistake
- His attempted chip struck Robin Fellhauer, who scored
- Potential successor
- Jonas Urbig
- Maier's age
- 82 years old
Sources
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