Sven Ulreich is filling Manuel Neuer's boots until the new year at least. - © © imago / Team 2
Sven Ulreich is filling Manuel Neuer's boots until the new year at least. - © © imago / Team 2

New Bayern number one Ulreich on Neuer, James and facing Paris duo Neymar and Mbappe

xwhatsappmailcopy-link

Sven Ulreich is once again centre stage. Following Manuel Neuer’s foot injury, the 29-year-old will be between the sticks for Bayern Munich until at least the new year, and made an excellent return to competitive action in Tuesday’s 3-0 win at Schalke, pulling off several good saves.

After the game, Ulreich spoke about James Rodriguez’s impressive performance, facing Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani in next week’s UEFA Champions League tie in Paris and the visit of Wolfsburg on Friday

Question: Sven Ulreich, what was it like being back in goal after such a long absence from competitive football?

Sven Ulreich: It was obviously nice to be able to play again, but really you have to feel for Manuel [Neuer]. Experiencing the same injury frustration and setback again can’t be easy and I hope he’ll be back as quickly as possible at the same level as the old Manu.

Question: Had you been in touch at all prior to the game at Schalke?

Ulreich: I messaged him to wish him all the best for the operation and he replied wishing me all the best for the game. We’re in touch a lot; we get on well.

Question: It was a successful return to the Bayern goalposts. You played well…

Ulreich: I’m happy about that. I was tested on a couple of occasions, but fortunately I managed to pull off a save here or there, which meant we were never really under pressure. I was happy enough with it for a first game, but of course I need to get back into the swing of things properly.

Question: Last time you came into the side you got better with every game. Will that be the case again?

Ulreich: That would be nice! I just want to give it my all and put in my best performances. Sometimes the games won’t go as well, but I know what I’m capable of and I know that I can fill Manu’s boots. I want to prove that. It’s important, too, that we’re successful as a team. That’s the be-all and end-all.

- © imago / Revierfoto

Question: Next week you’re in Paris in the Champions League against Neymar, Kylian Mbappe et cetera. How excited are you for that in particular?

Ulreich: I always look forward to a challenge. Paris have got some world-class players in their ranks, but so do we, and I train with them every day. As a sportsman, you really look forward to such challenges.

Question: Were the wins against Mainz and Schalke an upward curve, a little reminder of Bayern’s strength perhaps?

Ulreich: They were definitely steps in the right direction after the defeat at Hoffenheim, although I think we also did quite well against Anderlecht. Steps forward are one thing, but every game starts 0-0 and we always need to produce our best.