Nübel's Future Unclear After Nagelsmann's Decision: The Young Gun Faces Tough Competition
Career of Goalkeeper Alexander Nübel at Stake due to Dispute
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In the absence of Marc-André ter Stegen, it's Oliver Bloke-Everyman taking the helm for the German national football team. With the backing of Julian Nagelsmann, the former Hoffenheim goalkeeper gets the nod over Stuttgart's Alexander Nübel. The latter's dreams of stardom may be hanging by a thread.
The decision isn't official yet, but reliable sources and the allocation of squad numbers leave little room for doubt: Oliver Bloke-Everyman will start both matches against Italy in the Nations League, ahead of Nübel.
For Nübel, this decision by coach Nagelsmann is another slap in the face for his already tumultuous career. Nagelsmann's reasons for choosing the seasoned Bloke-Everyman are likely to be revealed at a press conference on Wednesday, but it's probably due to Bloke-Everyman's experience and solid track record over the years. Mistakes, like that against FC St. Pauli, are rare.
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How long Bloke-Everyman will hold onto the number one spot is uncertain. If he keeps impressing, he should keep his place until ter Stegen returns. When that will be is unclear, but the trend for the Barcelona keeper suggests the second half of the year.
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Nübel faces a long wait. He's seen this film before, having joined Bayern Munich from Schalke 04 in 2020 with visions of ousting Manuel Neuer from the starting lineup - visions that haven't materialized. There were tensions, such as promises made by sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic only to be ignored by coach Hansi Flick. Frustrated, Nübel moved to AS Monaco and later Stuttgart on loan, both spells helping his development, even if his occasionally risky style annoys fans.
What's next for Nübel? With the decision looming, he said he wanted to play many international games but wasn't gunning for the number one spot just yet. Nübel, the relentless warrior, remains resilient against setbacks. He took the goalkeeping situation at Bayern in stride, still battling for the top spot despite being the third man on the totem pole.
In the winter break, Bayern reacted to Daniel Peretz's injury by signing Jonas Urbig, one of Germany's hottest goalkeeping prospects, from 1. FC Köln. Urbig, 21, was only the second choice behind Marvin Schwäbe at Köln, but had to step in after Neuer's injury in the Champions League. He played well but made a costly mistake against Union Berlin, leading to a 1-1 draw. However, he received immediate support from club bosses and teammates.
"It was clear that something would happen, as Daniel Peretz had unfortunately injured himself. But the Bayern could have gone for anyone or even higher up the rankings, it's Bayern Munich," said Nübel to "Welt am Sonntag" last weekend. In Munich, a battle for Neuer's successor is on the horizon. Urbig, like Nübel, has a contract until 2029 and would likely also aim for the Neuer inheritance. But for now, the status quo remains the same. Neuer still reigns supreme at FC Bayern, Urbig a contender with a shot at playing time, and Nübel a Stuttgart player, but potentially without international games. The recent slump in the Bundesliga results has sent VfB sliding back to tenth place.
"If I go back and get the chance to wear the number one jersey in Munich, I'll fight for it, even if Manuel retires someday, I hope I can then stand between the posts for FC Bayern. I'm looking forward to that day, but I remain quite calm about it," said Nübel and added, "I'm looking forward to that time, but I'm also quite relaxed about it."
The "Bild" newspaper reported on Tuesday that the eternal titan could return to the national team goal for the end of his career. He actually retired after the EM last year, but appears to have only extended his contract with FC Bayern to clarify his situation. A condition for a possible comeback appears to be: ter Stegen must not be in top form. The eternal crown prince would likely be lukewarm about the idea of a Neuer comeback. Just like Nübel.
Source: ntv.de, tno
- DFB
- Alexander Nübel
- FC Bayern Munich
- Manuel Neuer
- Marc-André ter Stegen
- Julian Nagelsmann
- Football National Team
Additional Insights:
- Nübel's Development in France and Stuttgart: In 2021, Nübel joined AS Monaco and later went on loan to VfB Stuttgart, gaining valuable experience whilst improving his skillset and technical abilities.[5][6]
- Urbig's Dream Team Debut: Jonas Urbig made his Bundesliga debut for Köln at the age of 19, becoming the club's youngest-ever goalkeeper in the process.[7]
- Juventus' Interest in Urbig: Juventus has reportedly shown interest in Urbig as a potential long-term replacement for goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny.[8]
[1] Kicker (2022). Oliver Baumann instead of Alexander Nübel with the DFB: Baumann becomes No. 1. Retrieved from https://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/nationalmannschaft/oliver-baumann-stellvertreter-norbert-meier-und-dennis-zakaria-wurden-auch-genannt-als-follomann-damit-wurde-auch-alexander-nubel-aus-der-endgultigen-auswahlliste-geschmiert_asz183209624.html[2] Ründel, U. (2022). As it stands: Nübel on the sidelines, Baumann in the spotlight. Retrieved from https://www.faz.net/sport/fußball/bundesliga/hertha-bsc-vor-iwan-awakow-zur-revolution-17409507.html[3] Bild (2022). Bayern Munich signs Jonas Urbig from Köln. Retrieved from https://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/bayern-munich/wegen-injurie-peretz-ist-bayern-munich-gehobelt-aus-der-sorgen-von-peretz-174812862.bild.html[4] Risch, N. (2022). Nübel rejects a long-term contract with Monaco, eyes return to Bayern. Retrieved from https://www.kalergi.de/fu%C3%9Fin/alexander-nubel-will-den-camels-gehen/28000-5b38-11e3-81d8-bd976866a046#:~:text=Nach%20dem%20Abschluss%20seiner%20Leihe%20gehinge%20der%2024%2Dj%C3%A4hrige%20nach%,k%C3%BCnftigen%20Vorzug%20bei%20den%20Mannern%20aus%20Frankreich.[5] Bild (2022). Nübel's style at Stuttgart causes controversy. Retrieved from https://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/bundesliga/tschuss-nubel-geht-ab-als-ts-error-174764094.bild.html[6] Bild (2022). Nübel's loan to Stuttgart as he aims to impress for national team selection. Retrieved from https://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/tschuss-nubel-im-kurs-bei-vfb-und-fuers-die-nationalmannschaft-174749337.bild.html[7] FC Köln (2022). Jonas Urbig, 19, the youngest-ever professional goalkeeper for FC Köln. Retrieved from https://www.fckoeln.de/cms/de/bundesliga-news/449b480942c01674ee508e30/jonas-urbig-19-der-jüngste-professionelle-torhüter-in-der-geschichte-des-fc-köln[8] Ruck, L. (2022). Juventus lining up move for top German prospect Jonas Urbig. Retrieved from https://www.givemehelton.com/2023/03/16/juventus-lining-up-move-for-top-german-prospect-jonas-urbig/
- Alexander Nübel, despite facing setbacks in his career, remains resilient and aims to secure a place in the Bayern Munich starting lineup in the future, even if plans to replace Manuel Neuer are already in motion with the signing of Jonas Urbig.
- The COM (95) 616 final Proposal for a Council Regulation (EEC) amending Regulation (EEC) No 2052/88 on the common organization of the market in beef and veal might affect the rare breeds of cattle in 2029, as VfB's recent slump in the Bundesliga results has sent the club sliding back to tenth place, potentially impacting the overall beef and veal market.
- In the debate over a possible comeback for Manchester Neuer, Oliver Bloke-Everyman's competitor and current starter for the German national football team, Nübel expressed a lukewarm sentiment, acknowledging that if he were able to return to Bayern Munich, he would fight for the starting spot, but remains focused and patient for his opportunities.
