Sven Ulreich passes sport management exam to continue year of top marks
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Sven Ulreich has shown he can handle much more than a football by passing a sport management examination in Nuremberg.
The 29-year-old, who has swapped the bench for the field to deputise for the injured Manuel Neuer in the Bundesliga this season, concluded the studies he started in September 2016 with an outstanding mark of 1.7, which translates to over 85%, or a B+.
"Studying has given me a great deal and it's been a lot of fun too," the newly-qualified sport manager said on the record champions' website.
Watch: Sven Ulreich's best Bundesliga saves
Ulreich has earned plenty of distinctions for his performances this season, including the accolade of Player of the Month, as voted for by Bayern fans, twice in a row. Furthermore, Bayern's president Uli Hoeneß believes he should be made Bayern's Player of the Year.
"If a man like Uli Hoeneß says something like that, then it's a great honour," Ulreich said. "But it's been a great year from the whole team. I've been able to help the team in one or two games, but the team's helped me often too."
Ulreich has kept six clean sheets in 14 Bundesliga appearances this season, conceding just 12 goals. However, he is aware that when Neuer returns from injury – which is now on the horizon – he will revert to being the Germany number one's back-up.
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"I hope he's back on the pitch soon, even if I'm obviously enjoying being able to play now," he said. "You can't copy a Manuel Neuer – he's the best goalkeeper in the world – but the work with him and Toni Tapalovic, who has coached him for years, in training is certainly rubbing off."
Ulreich may therefore find himself back on the bench soon, although his time on the school bench is over after successfully becoming a qualified sport manager, paving the way for another career in the game after hanging up his gloves.