Manuel Neuer’s injury was a major blow for Bayern Munich, but the club quickly reacted by signing young goalkeeper Jonas Hofmann from Cologne in January.

Since then, the entire team, coach Vincent Kompany, and other goalkeepers, Sven Ulreich and Daniel Peretz, have helped Hofmann settle in well. Kimmich, one of Bayern’s key players, praised the young replacement for Neuer.

He told Kicker: “I felt a bit sorry for him because he always conceded one or two goals, but he was never at fault. I don’t recall any major mistakes from him.”

Neuer might return against Mainz next Saturday, and Hofmann could return to the bench, but he has proven to be reliable. Kimmich sees him as Neuer’s future replacement and confidently said: “Definitely, otherwise we wouldn’t have signed him.”

He added with a smile: “Honestly, I’m not in a position to judge goalkeepers, but I can say he’s an amazing guy.”

Kimmich also praised Hofmann’s calmness and confidence on the field: “Being Bayern’s goalkeeper and replacing Manuel Neuer isn’t easy.”

Max Eberl, Bayern’s sporting director, is also satisfied with the transfer: “Jonas is a highly talented goalkeeper, exactly what we envisioned with this decision. In recent weeks, he has shown great performances, high potential, and has filled Neuer’s shoes well.”