Kompany Criticized Over Neuer Error in Bayern Munich Draw

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s costly blunder against Union Berlin has put head coach Vincent Kompany under scrutiny, as club legend Oliver Kahn publicly questioned the decision to start the veteran shot-stopper in the Bundesliga clash.

Bayern Munich’s Unbeaten Run Ends After Neuer’s Mistake

Bayern Munich’s pursuit of a flawless season suffered a setback last weekend, when a 2-2 draw against Union Berlin halted their string of 16 consecutive wins. The opening goal, scored by Danilho Doekhi in the 27th minute, slipped through Manuel Neuer’s hands, shaking the confidence of the team and affecting Bayern’s momentum throughout the match. Though Luis Diaz managed to equalize before halftime, Bayern fell behind again to a second Doekhi strike. English striker Harry Kane ultimately salvaged a point for the visitors with a last-minute goal, but the draw marked Bayern’s first slip of the season.

Oliver Kahn Questions Kompany’s Goalkeeper Selection

Former Bayern CEO and legendary goalkeeper Oliver Kahn believes Kompany should have rested Neuer after Bayern’s intense midweek fixture against Paris Saint-Germain, which ended in a 2-1 victory for the German giants. Kahn suggested Jonas Urbig, who joined from Koln in January, should have been given a chance in goal: “A game like that is quite a mental strain after the match in Paris. The goalkeeper has to constantly anticipate. This match was a great opportunity to give Neuer a break and let Urbig play,” Kahn told Bild Sport.

Drawing from his own playing career, Kahn emphasized the importance of recovery for older players, stating, “It’s different when you’re 25, 35, or closer to 40. Recovery takes longer, so I often chose to rest before big games.”

Neuer Takes Responsibility for the Slip

Despite his illustrious career as a World Cup winner and multiple Bundesliga champion, Manuel Neuer did not shy away from accepting blame for his error. “I played a part in the first goal. My view wasn’t perfect, and the distance wasn’t ideal. But I made the wrong decision,” Neuer admitted after the match. He stressed that Bayern’s collective effort would help them recover, saying, “It was tough today against this team, especially after Wednesday. But we believe we’ll soon get back to winning ways.”

Kompany Defends His No.1 Goalkeeper

Vincent Kompany stood firmly behind Neuer, expressing his belief in the team’s collective responsibility. “What do you expect me to say? That I’ll criticize my number one goalkeeper? Of course not. Football is a team sport. When you concede, many things happen before the goal. We analyze those moments as well,” Kompany remarked.

To read more about Bayern Munich and global football stories, visit for more news.

Looking Ahead: Neuer’s Future and Bayern’s Upcoming Fixtures

Neuer, who boasts 124 caps for Germany, is determined to move past his mistake and return to action stronger after the international break. Bayern’s immediate focus turns to key Bundesliga matches against Freiburg and St. Pauli, with their Champions League showdown against Arsenal looming large. Both teams are currently level on points in their group, and victory will be crucial for Bayern’s ambitions of topping the table.

Opinion: Should Kompany Have Dropped Neuer?

While Oliver Kahn’s advice to rest Neuer is rooted in experience, Kompany’s decision reflects the trust and loyalty often reserved for club legends. Balancing squad rotation and player morale is a challenge every manager faces, and this incident underscores the need for strategic squad management, especially in a demanding season. Ultimately, Bayern’s depth will be tested, and making bold decisions could be vital for their title aspirations.