SB Nation • 11 min read

Midweek Warm-up: How much does Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer have left in the tank?; Throwing it back to Motörhead; Champions League predictions; an...

One of the understated stories of this young season has been the excellence of Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

The veteran has been nothing short of brilliant so far this season and — somehow — looks like he has reverted back to a younger version of himself. With his contract up after this season and with his performances so top-notch, it is fair to ask if the goalkeeper is not at least thinking of playing a little longer.

It has been widely-assumed that Neuer would call it a career after this

season and — most likely — hand the reins over to Jonas Urbig. It was five years ago when Bayern Munich first started to consider what life after Neuer might look like — and here we are — thinking that the 39-year-old still might have plenty of has left in the tank.

It is not just fans and observers, though. Former Bayern Munich defender Eric Dier recently made an appearance on “Fozcast — The Ben Foster Podcast” and levied high praise on Neuer.

“The greatest of all time. I don’t think people in England understand how good he is because maybe they haven’t watched the Bundesliga. I’ve not seen anything like it,” Dier said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).

While Neuer has steadfastly said that he will not return to Germany, many are already clamoring to see him on the squad again.

“The best players have to play at the World Cup — and Manuel is the best. That’s why he has to be there if he’s healthy,” said Bayern Munich supervisory board member Uli Hoeneß (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).

There is no doubt that Neuer is among the best at his position these days…but will Bayern Munich seek to extend his deal another season and buy a little more time to figure out if Urbig is really capable of being “the next one”?

Bayern Munich is in the unique position of being able to be flexible on this. With its favored successor already in tow (and actually working well together with Neuer and longtime caddie Sven Ulreich), Bayern Munich really does not have to do…anything.

The Bavarians can sit back, let the season play out, and figure it out when spring hits. For Urbig, that might be less than ideal, but if Neuer’s performances continue to be excellent, the goalkeeper might not be ready to hang up his cleats just yet.

The Bundesliga Rundown with Marcus Iredahl: Matchday 3

No more international break — the Bundesliga is finally back.

Matchday 3 offers the first real hints of who might be title contenders — and who could be stuck in the relegation fight.

In this episode of The Bundesliga Rundown:

Marcus’ post-international-break blues (yes, he watched Sweden live)
Wolfsburg and the history of this unique German company town
VfL Wolfsburg’s greatest moment — and the warriors behind it
FC Köln and the… cringy?… Lukas Kwasniok
Bayern Munich’s succession drama after Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Uli Hoeneß
Vincent Kompany’s surprising stint as Bayern manager

… and plenty more!

Song of the Midweek: “Ace of Spades” by Motörhead

Well damn…the Champions League doesn’t start until tomorrow for Bayern Munich, but it was a Motörhead kind of day.

Released way back in 1980, it still rocks. Enjoy:

Entertainment Rundown

The latest rundown on HBO’s Task will appear in Friday’s Weekend Warm-up…

Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show: Bayern Munich vs. Chelsea

Bayern Munich will square off with Chelsea in the Champions League at the Allianz Arena in what will surely be an electric atmosphere.

Germany’s biggest club will host a traditional English power…what else can you ask for? Let’s stop wasting time and get into this showdown between two of the more dangerous teams in the competition:

What a crazy way to start the Champions League
What to watch for with Chelsea — this team is loaded, but also does have a couple of injuries to deal with.
A look at Bayern Munich’s injury situation as Vincent Kompany appears to have settled into his starting XI for big matches.
A guess at Bayern Munich’s starting XI.
A prediction on the match.

Predictions

Bayern Munich is set to square off with Chelsea at the Allianz Arena in a heavyweight showdown to kick off the Champions League season for each club.

Both teams are deep and talented and have a connection after working together to complete the loan deal for Nicolas Jackson just before the summer transfer deadline ended. Now, though, the two teams with high-powered attacks will square off in a game that could be determined by which backline will be able to bend without breaking.

The feeling here is that both squads will struggle to contain the other at times and also that the game could be choppy for spells. That might actually favor the Bavarians, who have the more potent attacking group.

Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-2 Chelsea

Other Champions League predictions:

Tuesday, September 16, 2025