The fight for number one has reignited for numerous Bundesliga clubs. Either because the previous goalkeeper changed, or a new goalkeeper is giving steam to the established. Like in Cologne. And especially at Schalke, where the situation promises to be particularly explosive.
Düsseldorf (dpa) - There can only be one. The important job of the goalkeeper is always particularly competitive in soccer teams.
In contrast to field players, who can often occupy several positions in the team, the head coach has to make a decision for the keeper no later than the first matchday of a season.
With keepers of roughly the same strength, the goalkeeping coaches are often decisive for the choice of the boss, who has to ask himself: Who do I trust the most? Who suits our style of play best? Who is pressure resistant? The German press agency sheds light on some Bundesliga locations where exciting new constellations have emerged.
FC SCHALKE 04: The situation is particularly explosive. After the change of talent Alexander Nübel, who is now doing an apprenticeship with Bavaria's national goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, and the transfer of ex-Freiburg resident Alexander Schwolow, which failed because of the money, the duel is: Ralf Fährmann against Markus Schubert. The former captain ferryman was sorted out by coach Wagner a year ago and loaned to Norwich City. In March 2020 it lands at Brann Bergen in Norway, where the season should start in April. Then Corona came and the 31-year-old has since been allowed to keep fit in the area with Schalke's permission. Ferryman is now missing a year and a half of match experience. The talented Schubert finally lost his place to Nübel, who was willing to emigrate, after several back and forth in the previous season due to a few mistakes.
Now these two are fighting for number one in goal. Now there should be a fair competition, as both the returnees and Schubert emphasize. "Each of us would like to play. Nevertheless, we treat each other with respect and support each other," explained Fährmann, adding: "If you do it best in preparation, you deserve to play." Although he wanted Schwolow, Wagner now has to choose between the veteran, popular with the fans, and the talent that was actually already considered a loan object.
1. FC UNION BERLIN: Following the departure of regular goalkeeper Rafal Gikiewicz to FC Augsburg, newcomer Andreas Luthe is set to become the number one of the iron team. The 33-year-old was only a replacement in Augsburg and is facing a difficult mission at the capital club. Gikiewicz was a promotion hero and crowd favorite, Luthe only has competition from the other goalkeepers Jakob Busk and Nikolai Kemlein. "His positive charisma and his presence will help us achieve our goals in the second Bundesliga year in the coming season", says Union managing director Oliver Ruhnert about Luthe.
HERTHA BSC: Many saw the ex-Freiburg Schwolow (28) already in the Schalke jersey - then Hertha attacked. The fee should be around eight million euros, which the clammy Revierclub could not pay. Schwolow is supposed to put pressure on the previous goalkeeper Rune Jarstein (36) and is likely to inherit him soon. The previous Hertha no. two, Thomas Kraft, ended his career.
FC AUGSBURG: Gikiewicz, Luthe, Fabian Giefer, Tomas Koubek - recently there was a goalkeeper oversupply in Augsburg. Luthe is gone now, Giefer went to the Würzburger kickers. Now the Czech Koubek, brought in 2019 for around 7.5 million euros from Rennes, tries to prevail in the duel against Gikiewicz. He stays calm: "I am sure that I will be able to make the change quickly."
WERDER BREMEN: The plan there was to sell goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka abroad for as much money as possible and to let the Greek Stefanos Kapino move up to number one. But the corona crisis and Pavlenka's temporarily changeable preseason make implementation more difficult. It is possible that Werder will now let Kapino go and look for a new Pavlenka representative.
SC FREIBURG: Freiburg now has to do without the long-standing top performer Schwolow who has migrated. The previous substitute keeper Mark Flekken rises to number one when coach Christian Streich made a commitment. The Dutchman's contract was extended. As a competitor, SC brought Benjamin Uphoff from KSC on a free transfer, who has to be content with a place on the bench for the time being.
FSV MAINZ 05: The Mainz goalkeeper carousel will soon enter the final round. Sports director Rouven Schröder should be ready to let go of those who lose out at the Bundesliga start. The decision will be made between Florian Müller (22), a strong footballer, and Robin Zentner (25), who has a strong opinion. "Both have number one status. It is therefore clear that both are entitled to play," says Schröder of "Bild". Coach Achim Beierlorzer only wants to commit to the end of the preparation.
1. FC KÖLN: Timo Horn has been the undisputed goalkeeper for years. But sports director Horst Heldt and coach Markus Gisdol wanted more competition. Then came the opportunity to get the national goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler, who had been sorted out in Hanover, as called for. "He has the quality and the experience that we absolutely need in this position. And he is ready to take on the role 100 percent: To want to play as number two with the claim," said Heldt about Zieler. Excitement is guaranteed.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 200814-99-167590 / 2
Bundesliga schedule 2020/21 season