As Bayern Munich continues to balance legacy with long-term planning, CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen offered thoughtful insight into one of the club’s most emotionally charged questions— the future of club legend Manuel Neuer and the rise of his potential successor, Jonas Urbig.
Neuer, of course, suffered a calf injury in the team’s 3-0 victory over Werder Bremen on Saturday and will be replaced by Urbig in the starting XI until the veteran can return. Speaking about Neuer’s situation, Dreesen emphasized
patience and respect for a player whose performances continue to defy time.
“Manuel will be 40 on March 27. You wouldn’t believe that if you’ve followed him in recent games and seen how many incredible saves he made. We spoke early on, and he wants to give himself time and we also want to give him and ourselves time. We’ll discuss things calmly during the season and see what happens next,” Dreesen said on a recent appearance on BR24Sport.
The quote reflects Bayern’s typically measured approach to transitions involving iconic figures. Rather than forcing a timeline, the club appears committed to allowing Neuer’s performances—and his own feelings—to guide the decision. Given his enduring quality, that restraint feels both respectful and practical. Few goalkeepers in world football history have maintained elite standards so deep into their careers, and Neuer’s continued influence in big moments makes any immediate succession plan far from straightforward.
At the same time, Bayern is clearly preparing for the future. Dreesen spoke warmly about Urbig’s development and, perhaps more importantly, the relationship forming between the young goalkeeper and the veteran he may one day replace.
“Jonas is doing a great job. The chemistry between him and Manu is excellent, which is particularly important. I think Manu has made it his mission to build Jonas up as his successor and pass on his experience to him. You can see that in training when they talk to each other. That makes us happy.. Jonas has already shown his great potential in the games he played. He just needs to gain experience through match practice. He’s played a lot more games than those before him. I hope he continues this way,” Dreesen said.
This mentorship element is striking. Bayern’s greatest generational handovers—from past leaders to new cornerstones—have often worked best when knowledge was shared rather than guarded. If Neuer is actively shaping Urbig’s growth, the eventual transition could feel less like an ending and more like a continuation of standards.
For supporters, the message is reassuring on multiple levels. Neuer is still trusted, valued, and performing at a remarkable level. Meanwhile, the club is not standing still; it is cultivating the next era with intention and care.
In true Bayern fashion, sentiment and strategy are moving together. Whether Neuer extends his story for another season or gradually passes the gloves forward, the process appears calm, respectful, and deliberate—exactly the way a club of Bayern’s stature prefers to shape its future.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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