Sven Ulreich’s football journey spans 17 years at VfB Stuttgart before joining FC Bayern Munich, where he has thrived for nearly a decade. As a goalkeeper, his calm demeanor contrasts with the expectations of being Manuel Neuer’s backup. With 242 Bundesliga matches and numerous accolades, Ulreich reflects on the importance of experiences over playing time. He remains connected to Stuttgart, expressing pride in their recent success. Ahead of their upcoming match, he anticipates a thrilling clash while cherishing his new life in Munich.
From Stuttgart to Munich: Sven Ulreich’s Journey
Sven Ulreich has had a remarkable career in football, spending 17 years with VfB Stuttgart before transitioning to FC Bayern Munich, where he has played for nearly a decade. Ahead of the highly anticipated southern clash on Friday, SWR Sport caught up with the talented goalkeeper in Munich.
Standing tall at 1.92 meters with a solid build of 87 kilos, Ulreich is a striking presence on the field. However, what sets him apart from many football professionals is his calm and introspective demeanor. When he made the move from Stuttgart to Munich in 2015, not everyone understood the decision. Many questioned his choice to be the backup for world-renowned goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, suggesting he would be relegated to a ‘bench warmer.’
Yet, the statistics tell a different story. With 242 Bundesliga matches under his belt—103 of which were played for Bayern—Ulreich has experienced significant success. He has celebrated a Champions League victory, secured eight German championships, and lifted the cup three times. “While I could have played more matches, it’s the experiences and moments that mean the most to me. I’ve had the chance to celebrate monumental victories and showcase my skills on an international stage. Few players can claim to have played over 100 games for Bayern,” the 36-year-old reflects.
Keeping an Eye on VfB Stuttgart
Ulreich maintains a strong connection to his roots, closely following his former club, VfB Stuttgart, where he began his journey at the age of 10 and eventually became a professional. After 15 years at the club, he feels a deep sense of gratitude and pride for their recent resurgence: “It’s fantastic to see them back in international competitions and performing well in the Bundesliga. With Sebastian Hoeneß at the helm, they’ve made tremendous progress. I’m thrilled to see them on the offensive after facing challenging times.”
This Friday evening, VfB Stuttgart will host FC Bayern in a match that holds significant implications for the Swabians. The league leaders will take on the seventh-place team, and last season, Stuttgart surprised everyone by snatching the vice-championship from Bayern. Ulreich notes, “VfB has made a strong comeback. It has become a southern classic again, and they will certainly pose a challenge for us on Friday. Fans can expect an exciting match.”
Although Ulreich may not be on the pitch at his former home due to fierce competition for the goalkeeper spot at Bayern, he eagerly anticipates the game and his return to Stuttgart. “Coming back to where I spent so many years, where I grew up, is always special. I look forward to reconnecting with familiar faces I haven’t seen in a while.”
Now, Munich has become Ulreich’s new home. He loves the picturesque mountains, and his family has settled in comfortably, planning to stay even after his playing days are over. “My kids refer to Semmeln instead of Brötchen. We also call it Krapfen in our family, not Fasnachtsküchle or Berliner. They have embraced the local dialect,” he shares. Yet, despite his new surroundings, there’s one tradition he holds dear: “Whenever my mom visits us in Munich and brings along some delicious Swabian food, we all look forward to that.” Sven Ulreich, a true embodiment of the Swabian Bavarian spirit.