Sven Ulreich critical of Bayern Munich’s handling of Alexander Nübel move

Sven Ulreich was a model teammate and back-up to Manuel Neuer during his five-year tenure with Bayern Munich. Unfortunately, the 32-year-old was left feeling a little bitter about the way the club conveyed the news about its signing of former Schalke 04 goalkeeper Alexander Nübel.

Ulreich said he had only learned of the move for Nübel after it was publicly announced. The veteran would have appreciated a little “heads up” it seems.

“That could have been solved differently,” Ulreich told Sport1 (as captured by Sport Bild).

Still, Ulreich did not say that Bayern Munich’s move for Nübel was the primary reason that he transferred to Hamburger SV. The move did, however, start to plant the seed in his head for an exit. Simply put, Ulreich missed playing the game more than anything.

Photo by Cathrin Mueller/Getty Images

“Standing on the pitch was what I missed. That’s the reason why I changed,” Ulreich said.

Once Nübel’s signing was made official, Ulreich started plotting his exit.

“From that point on, I was aware that I wanted to implement what I had long had in mind: to finally play again,” said Ulreich. “(Moving to Hamburger SV) was no step backwards. I can develop further here and want to help achieve our team’s goals.”

Surely, Ulreich will be able to establish himself once more as a true first-team goalkeeper with Der Dino, but realizes that he will have to really excel if he wants to have his name tossed back in the ring for a national team call-up.

“I don’t have the national team on my screen at the moment and would like to work my way back to that in Hamburg,” Ulreich said.

While it may seem like an up-hill battle, Ulreich looks determined to prove himself on the big stage once more.