Uli Hoeneß rejects doubts over Manuel Neuer and Joshua Kimmich after Bayern’s Augsburg draw
Uli Hoeneß has dismissed criticism of Manuel Neuer and Joshua Kimmich, calling the debate around both Bayern Munich figures excessive after the club’s 2-2 draw with Augsburg. Neuer’s costly error helped set up a record goal for Augsburg, while Kimmich’s role for Germany had come under scrutiny following a disappointing international performance. But Hoeneß insists neither incident justifies questioning the players’ standing.
The result was a missed opportunity for Bayern, who could have moved to the top of the table with a win. Instead, the match reignited discussion about the club’s goalkeeping succession and whether Germany can thrive without its long-serving captain. Hoeneß pushed back against both storylines, arguing that mistakes are part of football and that emerging players should not be judged as ready-made replacements simply because they have enjoyed a few promising appearances.
Hoeneß stands by Neuer after costly mistake
Neuer’s error against Augsburg came at a damaging moment, contributing to the build-up to the hosts’ record goal. With younger goalkeeper Jonas Urbig waiting for his opportunity, the mistake prompted fresh questions about whether Neuer’s time as Bayern’s first choice might be nearing its end.
Hoeneß rejected that suggestion. “No, not at all. Everyone is allowed to make a mistake now and then,” he said, defending the veteran goalkeeper rather than treating one difficult moment as evidence of a wider decline.
Neuer remains one of the most experienced players in the Bayern dressing room, and his value cannot be measured by a single incident. Goalkeepers are especially exposed when errors lead directly to goals, but even elite performers make mistakes over the course of a long season. The more useful assessment, Hoeneß’s response suggests, is whether Neuer continues to deliver consistently and whether Bayern can manage his workload effectively.
Urbig has increasingly stepped in when Neuer has been unavailable, including during periods when injuries limited the veteran’s involvement last season. His growing exposure has naturally encouraged talk about the future. Yet deputising for a senior goalkeeper is not the same as holding down the position week after week, and Bayern will want to judge Urbig’s development over time rather than rush a succession decision after one high-profile error.
Kimmich debate draws a sharp response
Hoeneß was equally dismissive of the discussion surrounding Kimmich’s importance to Germany. The midfielder’s place in the national team became a talking point after Germany’s performances during the Nations League, including a 1-0 defeat by Greece in Augsburg in which Kimmich was criticised.
Germany coach Jürgen Klopp had sent Kimmich home as planned after the first two Nations League matches against the Netherlands and Greece. The decision was reportedly against Kimmich’s wishes and involved other members of the original squad as well. In the subsequent match against Serbia, a midfield featuring Aleksandar Pavlovic, Tom Bischof and Florian Wirtz impressed. Germany also produced a strong display in the return meeting with Greece, although the game ended in a 0-0 draw.
Those performances led to a familiar question in football: can a team perform better without one of its established leaders? Hoeneß described the discussion about Kimmich as “completely ridiculous,” adding that players receiving praise for their international displays first need to establish regular starting roles at their clubs.
His comments were an indirect reminder that promising performances and sustained club-level responsibility are not the same thing. Bischof, who has been mentioned as a possible alternative, has mainly made brief appearances for Bayern and has started only twice this season. Urbig, meanwhile, has gained valuable minutes but remains Neuer’s deputy. Both have potential, but Hoeneß’s point is that potential alone does not settle a debate about replacing proven senior players.
Kimmich says his focus remains on performance
Kimmich appeared calm when asked about the debate after the Augsburg draw. He said he had been part of the Germany setup for 11 years and understood how quickly the conversation around players could change.
“The only thing I can and must focus on is my performance,” Kimmich said. “That’s what I do. That’s what I’ve done for the past eleven years. That’s what I’ll continue to do. In the end, the best always play.” He added that he had managed to remain among the best over the previous decade.
The response reflects the experience of a player who has faced intense scrutiny throughout his international career. Kimmich is expected to contribute not only through his technical ability but also through leadership, organisation and consistency. A difficult match can fuel a prediction that his influence is fading, but judging his future role requires more than looking at one result or a short run of games.
Bayern sporting director Max Eberl also defended the midfielder, calling doubts about Kimmich’s qualities “absolutely absurd.” Eberl described him as a leader who sets the tone and an outstanding German player. While acknowledging that Kimmich has become closely associated with a national team that has struggled at major tournaments in recent years, Eberl argued that this should not obscure his individual contribution.
Hoeneß criticises the international break
Hoeneß’s frustration extended beyond the players’ performances. He strongly criticised the timing of the international break so soon after the start of the domestic season, calling it the “joke of the year” and taking aim at the Nations League schedule.
Bayern had 18 players away on international duty, a disruption Hoeneß said was bound to affect the team’s rhythm. Clubs with large numbers of international players must quickly bring their squads back together, manage travel and workload, and prepare for domestic fixtures after a demanding period. That challenge can be particularly significant early in a season, when teams are still building consistency.
For Bayern, the Augsburg draw therefore carried more than one talking point: Neuer’s mistake, Kimmich’s international status, the progress of younger options and the impact of the crowded calendar. Hoeneß’s message was clear: one error should not end a goalkeeper’s career, and a brief spell of praise for alternatives does not automatically make them better choices. The next test for Bayern will be to turn that defence of experience into stronger performances on the pitch.
