During this year's annual general meeting, Jan-Christian Dreesen addressed an important topic. The FC Bayern CEO highlighted Manuel Neuer's comeback against Darmstadt after more than 350 days out injured and also thanked his excellent replacement: Sven Ulreich. This was followed by thunderous applause for the Munich number 26, whereupon Dreesen smiled and said with a wink: "I really hope he heard that. Maybe that will make it a little easier for him to sign his contract extension with Christoph Freund." This was also rewarded with frenetic applause in the hall.
„I really hope he heard that. Maybe that will make it a little easier for him to sign his contract extension with Christoph Freund.”
Now we know: "Ulle" was listening, realised the fans' appreciation and put pen to paper on a new contract. This news is likely to cause further jubilation among Bayern fans.
Ulreich on verge of 100th game
Those who have a keeper with the class of Sven Ulreich in their goalkeeping team are lucky. This is proven not least by the figures: the Schorndorf-born 35-year-old has played 98 competitive matches for the German record champions, 96 of them in the starting XI. The keeper has celebrated 69 victories on the pitch and kept 32 clean sheets. His average of 2.2 saves per game almost matches that of his colleague Neuer (2.3), who extended his contract until 2025 on the same day as Ulreich.
Someone you can count on
However, there's more to Sven "#ZuNullreich", as he's often known on social media, than just this record. He's Mr. Reliable. He's on hand when he's needed. And Bayern have needed Ulreich since 2015, when he moved to Munich following 176 Bundesliga appearances for his boyhood club VfB Stuttgart. The likeable Swabian, who's respected by teammates and staff for his friendly manner in particular, has been with FCB since – only interrupted by a brief intermezzo at Hamburger SV in the 2020/21 campaign.
Highlight season 2017/18
During his time at Bayern, Ulreich's qualities in goal were particularly required when Neuer had two lengthy spells on the sidelines. In the 2017/18 season, the five-time World's Best Goalkeeper suffered a metatarsal fracture and missed the entire campaign. Deputy Ulreich excelled in this period as a calm anchor with incredible reflexes between the posts, playing a leading role in the winning of the Bundesliga title and the run to the Champions League semi-finals.
Neuer on Ulreich: 'A great support'
After shorter periods of action – such as at the end of the 2019 season, when he deputised for Neuer (torn muscle fibre) – the goalkeeper, who is modest and courteous off the pitch, has demonstrated his great qualities once again in the current season. For example, in the 3-1 away win at Mainz or the 2-1 victory in the Champions League at FC Copenhagen, the 1.92-meter giant excelled. "His performances were outstanding in all competitions," said coach Thomas Tuchel, praising Ulreich for his performance, while Neuer emphasised the status of the long-time FCB pro: "Everyone at the club knows that he's a great support."
„Everyone at the club knows that he's a great support.”
After that game at Mainz, Neuer then returned in goal for the first time in 350 days (broken lower leg) and Ulreich to the bench. A familiar situation – but adaptability is also one of Ulreich's strengths.
The record champions' goalkeeping team
"My role here at FC Bayern is clear: when Manu is fit and available, he'll play," acknowledged Ulle after Neuer's comeback, without complaint. "I'm super happy for Manu that he'll be back on the pitch again soon because I regard him very highly as a person." The chemistry in the goalkeeping team is therefore brilliant, something that Tuchel has emphasised several times in recent weeks, praising Neuer, Ulreich, substitute goalkeeper Daniel Peretz and goalkeeping coach Michael Rechner.
Bayern are now going into the future with this line-up until at least 2025. The German record champions' goal is in safe hands with the GOATkeeper and Mr. Reliabe.
The full story on Manuel Neuer's contract extension: