No career end after all? Confusion about Ulreich’s Bayern future | OneFootball

The future of Sven Ulreich at FC Bayern is more open than ever. For years, the goalkeeper has been the reliable number two behind Manuel Neuer, but now his contract expires next summer – and recently there have been increasing signs that the 37-year-old could end his active career. But after the 2-2 draw against Mainz, Ulreich himself is causing new movement in the debate

Although Neuer will be absent against Heidenheim in the upcoming Bundesliga matchday, Ulreich will no longer automatically move into goal. He had filled this role repeatedly over many years and made a total of 103 competitive appearances for the German record champions. In the meantime, however, his position in the internal goalkeeping rankings has dropped significantly. Private reasons, but also the signings of Daniel Peretz, Alexander Nübel and most recently Jonas Urbig, have meant that Ulreich hardly plays a role in sporting terms

Against this backdrop, speculation about a possible end to his career has grown louder and louder, especially as his contract is coming to an end and it has already been reported in the past that Bayern could not offer him the prospect of a further playing career. But now Ulreich is contradicting these assumptions, at least in part

Ulreich on Bayern’s future: „It could also be that I continue“

In an interview with ran.de, the veteran clarified: „No, no decision has yet been made as to whether I’ll stop or not.“ He continued: „It’s also possible that I’ll continue. I haven’t given it any concrete thought yet.“ There is currently no fixed timetable: „We’ll decide that together next year. I’m now looking from week to week.“

These statements are in contrast to earlier reports that Ulreich would end his active career in the summer. kicker had reported that the keeper would probably retire when his contract expires and could possibly remain with FC Bayern in another role. However, there was never any official confirmation of this

photo: IMAGO

The club is also remaining calm, with sporting director Max Eberl also telling ran.de that they are „very relaxed“ about Ulreich. Other issues have priority first. „First we make the big decisions like with Upa and then the others. Spring is quite possible, similar to Manuel Neuer,“ said Eberl.