Ulreich feels ‘ready’ to deputize for Neuer in Bayern goal

Munich (dpa) – Sven Ulreich believes he is ready to step up between the sticks as deputy for injured goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in a crucial part of the season for Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

“You prepare every week so you’re ready if something happens,” the 33-year-old Ulreich told the Bayern homepage on Friday. “Of course it is good that I played a couple of weeks ago.

“So I’m ready for the game.”

Ulreich’s appearance on Saturday away to Bochum will be his second this season in the Bundesliga, which Bayern lead by nine points, having covered when Neuer missed the 2-1 defeat to Borussia Mönchengladbach with a coronavirus infection.

But in 2017-18 he was between the posts for almost the entire season when Neuer was out with a foot fracture.

“He’s previously deputized for Manuel Neuer over a long period,” said coach Julian Nagelsmann at his pre-match press conference. “He will perform well until Manu is fit again, so we’ve got good cover here.”

On Wednesday there is arguably an even bigger game when Bayern visit Red Bull Salzburg in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.

Neuer will not return for that after a meniscus operation and even the second leg on March 8 could come too soon for him, giving Ulreich the chance of a crucial run.

“If you know you’re needed at the weekend there’s definitely a different focus on the game,” said Ulreich. “It’s different as when you know you’re on the bench.”

Nagelsmann meanwhile said he would continue to use defender Niklas Süle until he leaves on a free transfer to Borussia Dortmund when his contract expires at the end of the season.

“I understand one or other critical remarks from the fans that he should not be allowed to play any more,” the coach said. “But there is a quite normal process in football.

“Players unfortunately also leave us for free. But we must all also be aware that the player receives money from Bayern Munich until June 30 and we should also use his quality.”