The club’s former goalkeeper says the 26-year-old risks damaging his own development after moving to the Allianz Arena
Sepp Maier has questioned the ambition of Sven Ulreich after he joined Bayern Munich, where he will effectively become Manuel Neuer’s understudy.
The 26-year-old put pen to paper on a three-year deal this week, joining from relegation battlers Stuttgart for an undisclosed fee.
Ulreich described the transfer as a “new challenge” and stressed he would “always be there when needed”, but will likely be used sparingly providing Neuer stays fit.
Former Bayern keeper Maier, who coached the Bavarians’ goalkeepers from 1994 until 2008 having starred for the club between the posts in the 1960s and 70s, finds the move a curious one.
“If he were 35-years-old then I would understand it,” he told Bild. “I cannot understand because at 26-years-old a goalkeeper is approaching his best.
“Although he has much to learn – and will be training with the best in the world – that can never replace the practice he would have playing week-in, week-out at Stuttgart.”