Sven Ulreich speaks up for the first time since leaving FC Bayern Munich last month.
FC Bayern Munich had a goalkeeping conundrum to solve in summer. The German Champions had three quality goalkeepers in the squad. Manuel Neuer remains the undisputed goalkeeper, but there was a tough decision to make regarding his deputy.
The German Champions decided to go ahead with the signing of Alexander Nubel from Schalke. Nubel signed a pre-contract agreement with Die Roten. He arrived at the club in July after his contract with Schalke expired. The young German goalkeeper is considered as long term successor of Neuer.
Meanwhile, Sven Ulreich remained at the club for the majority of the window. Hansi Flick kept on insisting that Ulreich and Nubel will keep fighting for a place in the matchday squad. The club also found an agreement with Neuer to make sure that he stays at the club beyond 2021.
Until the end of the transfer window, there was no clarity about the future of Ulreich. Eventually, the German goalkeeper sealed a move to Hamburger SV in the final week of the transfer window. Speaking to Sport1 this week, Ulreich admitted that he would have liked Die Roten to communicate better after Nubel’s arrival.
"“We had received information in advance that there was something to the rumours.”“It could have been handled differently. Of course, I was disappointed at that moment, but from that point on I was aware that I wanted to do what I had in mind for a long time to play again.”"
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Ulreich also admitted that he is pleased with the love received by Bayern faithful after his departure. Die Roten decided to wave off the fee for Ulreich since Hamburger SV wouldn’t have afforded wages and a transfer fee for him. The German goalkeeper will be playing in the second division, but at least he will get regular playing time.
As soon as Nubel’s move was made official in January, Ulreich publicly admitted that he would like to leave the club to get playing time. He has been a superb professional during his time in Bavaria, filling in adequately for Neuer whenever required. Ulreich enjoyed a terrific campaign during 2017/18 when Neuer was out for months due to serious injury.
Apart from Ulreich, Christian Fruchtl also left Bayern this summer on a loan deal to FC Nurnberg. Fruchtl rated highly in Bavaria, so getting regular playing time this season will help him in becoming a better goalkeeper.
After Ulreich’s departure, Nubel will be on the bench for Die Roten. The young goalkeeper will learn a lot while training with Neuer. Hopefully, Flick gives him starts in the DFB Pokal games and few chances in the group stages of the Champions League.