Late confession from his competitor: when goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu became an FCZ hero

Either you play or you sit

Why am I digging up this old story now? Because I enjoy reading the faces of the substitutes who have to see their competitor in the spotlight. Just like in the spring of 2022 at a sold-out Wembley, when Switzerland played England, Yann Sommer was ill and Jonas Omlin scored. The TV camera captured Gregor Kobel, who was just sitting on the substitutes bench, even though he fully expected to play for the match. He didn’t change his face, didn’t show anything. So I can only speculate.

I also think of unemployed trainers who have to hope that a colleague somewhere will be fired and a position will become available. They won’t admit it, but in such situations wishing bad things for your competitor, or at least not rooting for him, is fine in a tough business where everyone mainly looks out for themselves and there is a lot of money at stake. , whether or not it is common and also human. Ultimately, there is only one spot available for the goalkeepers, unlike the field players. Either you play or you sit. This fact greatly increases the competitive situation.

What happens to Ulreich now?

But there are of course exceptions. Sven Ulreich, 35-year-old Bayern Munich goalkeeper, is always there when you need him. A solid, really good goalkeeper, who held his own on Tuesday and triumphed with Bayern in the Champions League away match against Galatasaray, now has to sit on the bench again despite very strong performances in recent months. Maybe already on Saturday, Bayern’s match against Darmstadt.

Although no one in Munich knows how strong 37-year-old Manuel Neuer is after his serious injury and months of absence, there are no discussions. In this position the performance principle seems to be suspended: “If Manu is fit, he plays,” says coach Tuchel. And he also says: “Sven Ulreich knows his role and does not see himself as a competitor.” And Ulreich himself pledges his full support to Neuer – without any ifs or buts. No negative feelings, no resentment and you believe him when he says, “I’m happy for him.”

How strong is Neuer still?

An extraordinary situation. The best thing that could happen to Tuchel and Neuer. And Ulreich must be a very special guy or just a smart strategist who knows how to calculate: as long as he takes on this role of “dream son” at Bayern, he will not be questioned. He benefits from the successes, he makes a lot of money, collects titles and merits, doesn’t cause offense, doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone anymore, just sit there and keep your mouth shut. Actually a dream job, but…

Shouldn’t he declare war now? Want to let new people feel the hot breath at every opportunity? Show the coach every second that he’s wrong if he doesn’t bet on him? This is the unique opportunity for Ulreich to go from a side note in the annals of the Bundesliga to a historical figure. To go down in history as the goalkeeper who ended Manuel Neuer’s career at Bayern. Ulreich will be satisfied with the comment, which is a shame, but also understandable. After all, dear Sven now has a contract extension – as a bench warmer.