Sven Ulreich was back in the Munich starting eleven for the first time in over 500 days in FC Bayern’s 1-1 draw at Bayer Leverkusen. After the game, the experienced goalkeeper expressed his satisfaction with his comeback – and spoke about the trust within the team and the special relationship in the Bayern goalkeeping team
Due to the absences of Manuel Neuer and Jonas Urbig, Ulreich moved between the posts in the Bundesliga top match at the BayArena. It was a special moment for the 37-year-old, as he had not played a competitive match from the start for a long time
Speaking to Sky, Ulreich explained that he initially needed a little time to get back into the rhythm of the game. „When you haven’t played for so long, you need a few minutes to get back into the rhythm, because a game is different to training,“ said the veteran after the match
„Everything went well in the end“
Ulreich was ultimately satisfied with his performance, saying that he quickly found his feet again despite the long break. „Everything went well in the end and I had fun on the pitch,“ emphasized the Bayern keeper
The goalkeeper also emphasized the trust that his team-mates have in him. Due to his long time at the record champions, he has known many of the players for years. „The lads have known me for a long time and trust me; they know that I’m always there when I’m needed,“ explained Ulreich
Ulreich also found the support from his own goalkeeping team particularly remarkable. Both Manuel Neuer and Jonas Urbig, who are currently missing through injury, contacted him before the game. „Manu and Jonas sent me a text message before the game and said that they were happy that I was able to play,“ revealed the 37-year-old
This support is a sign of the good relationship within the Munich goalkeeper group. „We have a great relationship within the goalkeeping team,“ Ulreich made clear
After his successful comeback, Ulreich is also likely to play an important role in the upcoming games – at least until Neuer and Urbig are fully fit again.