Vincent Kompany has backed Germany coach Jürgen Klopp’s decision to include Bayern Munich goalkeeper Jonas Urbig in his first Nations League squad, calling the selection “a sensible and stable decision” ahead of Friday’s home match against Union Berlin.
Bayern Notebook: Kompany backs Urbig call before Union Berlin
Klopp named nine Bayern players in his 44-man Germany group, including captain Joshua Kimmich, midfielder Tom Bischof and Urbig. The squad contains five goalkeepers, with Marc-André ter Stegen currently first choice.
Urbig has played two of Bayern’s five competitive fixtures this season. He also filled in for Manuel Neuer 20 times last term and generally made a strong impression.
Kompany said Germany must plan beyond the present. “Any player who does not believe he can one day become Germany’s number one is making a major mistake,” he said. “Jonas will reach that level eventually.”
The Bayern coach did not put a timetable on Urbig’s rise. He said Klopp would decide whether that moment arrives in one year or five, while stressing that being Neuer’s deputy requires context. Neuer remains one of the game’s outstanding goalkeepers.
Bayern host Union Berlin on Friday at 20:30. Kompany’s players will then have different schedules during the international break, as the Germany group will not all be involved at the same time.
The coach sees the Octoberfest-period break as useful recovery time. Every player will receive an individual programme, but Kompany wants the group to reset physically and mentally before the next club commitments.
SEO Title: Vincent Kompany backs Jonas Urbig’s Germany call before Union Berlin
SEO Description: Bayern coach Vincent Kompany supports Jonas Urbig’s inclusion in Jürgen Klopp’s first Germany squad before Friday’s Bundesliga match against Union Berlin.
