Germany are searching for their first win under Jürgen Klopp. They succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Greece last week and were held to a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands. Germany will look to bounce back from these results when they face Serbia on Thursday. Bayern Munich is set to have a representative in the goal when Germany faces Serbia.
In the pre-match conference on Wednesday, Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp confirmed that Jonas Urbig will start against Serbia. It will be Urbig’s first start for the national team.
Germany had gone with Marc-André ter Stegen and Alexander Nubel in the goal against the Netherlands and Greece, respectively. Even though Klopp has admitted that Ter Stegen is his number one in the national team, it does look like he wants to look at all the goalkeepers he had called up for this international break.
Urbig has been the second-choice goalkeeper since arriving from FC Köln in January 2025. He has done well whenever Neuer has been sidelined with injury or rested. Bayern chiefs believe Urbig has the potential to be Neuer's long-term successor.
The 23-year-old made 20 appearances for Die Roten last season across all competitions. He kept clean sheets in seven games. Urbig is very confident with his shot-stopping. He is also very comfortable while playing out from the back.
The game against Serbia is a golden opportunity for Urbig to make a strong impression on Klopp. It does look like he will be part of Klopp’s squad moving ahead, but he needs to make the most of the opportunities at Bayern and Germany to become the number one for his country.
Bayern will also have young outfield players on the pitch on Thursday
Along with Urbig, the likes of Lennart Karl and Tom Bischof are also expected to get some game time against Serbia. Both players were part of the second group of players Klopp had announced for the third and fourth game of the international break. Aleksandar Pavlovic is expected to start for Germany as he was also selected for the second squad.
Joshua Kimmich, Nathaniel Brown, and Jonathan Tah will be rested from the last two games of this break, while Jamal Musiala has returned to Sabner Strasse due to injury. Serge Gnabry remains part of the squad. The German forward is building his fitness after spending the last few months on the sidelines due to injuries.
Stats courtesy- Transfermarkt
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