In Bayern Munich's 3-0 Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen, Manuel Neuer suffered a muscle injury while celebrating a goal and was substituted. Sven Ulreich, usually the team's second goalkeeper, was in the stands with his wife during the match. His late call to the bench illustrated the rarely needed role of backups in goal. Despite feeling demoted to a third-string position, Ulreich is supportive of his younger counterpart Urbig, who is seen as an investment for Bayern's future.
Sven Ulreich last night: up until Neuer's injury he was in the stands in civilian clothes with his wife Lisa - after Neuer's injury he quickly changed and made his way to the bench and would've come in if Urbig had to be replaced.
Ulreich's position let him watch the game in a more relaxed setting in the stands. That is, until he was called upon - as the next in line had Urbig also gone down.
Urbig is Bayern's shot - one of many, really - at a goalkeeper of the future, and needs every minute he can get while Neuer is still entrenched as starter.
It is a demotion Ulreich appears to be taking in stride. His contract is up in June, but his future is a question for another day.
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