Bayern Munich goalkeeper Jonas Urbig on Manuel Neuer, his Germany call-up and facing Real Madrid
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Jonas Urbig says that Manuel Neuer’s “obsession with details” is what sets him apart, and that the team is “well prepared to face Real Madrid” in the UEFA Champions League.
In a wide-ranging interview with the 22-year-old, we discuss what it’s like to train alongside Neuer, the upcoming meeting with the Spanish giants, his Germany nomination and much more besides...
Bundesliga: Despite having to pull out of Germany’s March squad with injury, you were no doubt keeping an eye on how they got on. Did you watch them? How was it when you received the call-up?
Jonas Urbig: “It was definitely a nice moment. And it makes you proud to be involved. Training there was also lots of fun. And I was able to watch the games from a distance.”
Watch: Vincent Kompany on Urbig's Germany call-up
Bundesliga: Julian Nagelsmann was full of praise for you and said you came across as a very hungry player in training. What things are you working on the most at the moment?
Urbig: “On everything. I don’t want to give away too many specifics. It’s just about working on everything. I’m still young and can learn a lot from our goalkeeping team here. That encompasses all areas of goalkeeping.”
Bundesliga: You get to learn from a living legend in the shape of Manuel Neuer. What’s that like? Does he show you things and do you discuss things?
Urbig: “I mentioned the goalkeeping team, obviously with Manuel but also Sven Ulreich and Michael Rechner, our goalkeeping coach. They’re all involved. I don’t just to go Manuel for advice, but also Sven because he’s also made over 100 appearances for Bayern and has lots of experience he can help me with.
"I like tapping into that. We have good communication, talk a lot with each other. That’s really positive.”
Watch: Milestones in sight for Bayern
Bundesliga: Is it maybe also an advantage that you have a real mix of ages in the team to tap into that experience?
Urbig: “Especially in regard to to the younger goalkeepers. I mean, I’ve got over 25 appearances for Bayern, so it’s sort of also my responsibility to pass on something to the younger goalkeepers in terms of what it means.
"With my concussion, where it meant Leo Prescott or Jannis Bärtl might’ve played, they also would’ve been prepared, because we have such good communication with the younger goalkeepers as well.”
Bundesliga: Speaking specifically about Manuel, if you had to pick one thing that you’ve learned from him and that he’s passed on to you, what would it be?
Urbig: “Game intelligence and being obsessed with details. I think those are things that really make him who he is.”
Watch: Neuer's best save every season
Bundesliga: Germany is known as a nation of goalkeepers and there is a long list of legends. Is that an added burden or sense of honour for you if you one day get to play for Germany?
Urbig: “We’ve got so many things to focus on now with Bayern. At a time where we’re now going for titles in all three competitions, the subject of the national team isn’t the focus. Yes, you mentioned it and want to know, but that’s not something I’m too concerned about right now.”
Bundesliga: You come across as very down to earth, open and polite. Where does that come from?
Urbig: “It’s sort of how I was raised. It's not something I've really thought about changing, because I feel I’ve done pretty well as I am so far.”
Bundesliga: Sporting success eems to be a family trait. Your two brothers are also goalkeepers, so was your father. What was football like growing up in the Urbig family?
Urbig: “It was funny when we sat in front of the TV and chatted. Everyone saw something slightly different. It was, and still is, quite funny when we come together and talk about different things. Everyone has their own opinion, it’s nice.”
Bundesliga: Did you used to copy all the big saves in the garden?
Urbig: “Of course. Yes, we did.”
Watch: Urbig's best saves for Cologne
Bundesliga: You used to be an outfield player when you were younger. Is that something that helps you now?
Urbig: “I think so. It was up to the age of 12 or 13 at Cologne when I sometimes played outfield. I think it still helps me in some situations. It was a bit of a blessing to have got to experience it.”
Bundesliga: Speaking of Cologne, do you remember your first call-up to the senior squad in the Bundesliga?
Urbig: “That was here at the Allianz Arena.”
Bundesliga: With a bit of a smaller crowd during the pandemic, but what was it like for you?
Urbig: “It wasn’t so much about facing Bayern but being in the squad for the first time with Cologne. It was obviously nice and exciting, but it’s a greater and nicer feeling with the Allianz Arena full.”
Bundesliga: The next big stadium is just around the corner with the Bernabéu. Have you been before?
Urbig: “No, I’ve never been there.”
Bundesliga: What sort of atmosphere are you expecting? What have you heard from teammates who’ve been before?
Urbig: “I can’t really say what it’s like there. You need to ask someone else. But we’re in good shape and well prepared for the game. Everything else isn’t of concern to me for now.”
Bundesliga: Kylian Mbappé has said you’re the best team in Europe. Are you aware of that? What will the tie come down to?
Urbig: “Again, I’ve never played against Real Madrid. Yes, we’re in good shape and well prepared for the game. We’ll be ready.”
Watch: Bayern ready to renew Real rivalry
Bundesliga: You’ll hope to lift the title on the final day of the season against Cologne. Do you hope your former club doesn’t need a result that day?
Urbig: “I always hope things go positively for Cologne. It’d be nice if they were safe in the Bundesliga before then, because it’s such a big, historic club and important for the Bundesliga.”
Bundesliga: Do you follow their matches with any emotion?
Urbig: “I definitely follow their matches and always have my fingers crossed.”
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