Sven Ulreich returns for Bayern after 537 days

Sven Ulreich will start for FC Bayern at the weekend, making his first competitive appearance in 537 days and his 104th overall after Manuel Neuer and Jonas Urbig were sidelined. The 37-year-old steps in against Bayer Leverkusen, the same club linked to a past bench confrontation with sporting director Simon Rolfes.

In September 2024 Ulreich publicly complained about time‑wasting and shouted: "Hey, sit down Rolfes, you b****ard!" He was fined €20,000 and banned for one match; manager Vincent Kompany defended him, and fans responded with chants and a banner reading "DFB, you Rolfes – Ulle is one of us!" The goalkeeper situation at Bayern has been unsettled: Neuer is injured, Urbig suffered a concussion in the 6-1 game against Atalanta Bergamo, Peretz is on loan at Southampton, and Alexander Nübel is at VfB Stuttgart.

With few options, Ulreich may also be needed for the Atalanta return leg and the following Bundesliga fixture against Union Berlin.

Germany

sven ulreich, fc bayern, manuel neuer, jonas urbig, bayer leverkusen, simon rolfes, vincent kompany, concussion, atalanta bergamo, union berlin