Ulreich explains his howler at the Bernabeu
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Sven Ulreich has given an interview with 'Bild', explaining how his error against Real Madrid is symbolic of the life of a goalkeeper.
"It's the destiny of a goalkeeper," Ulreich said, in an interview with German outlet 'Bild'. "If you make a mistake as a forward it's not too serious, as a central defender it's worse, and as a goalkeeper you give away a goal like that."
"I didn't make a mistake for eight months, and now this has happened," the keeper continued. "It's a shame it happened in that type of situation."
Ulreich has had to step into Manuel Neuer's shoes, after Bayern's first choice keeper picked up a back problem that has kept him out all season. The replacement keeper has done an impressive job throughout the season, and was even chosen as Bayern's player of the year.
However, one mistake has tarnished his season, as the German made a slip up and allowed Karim Benzema in on goal. Ulreich explained how it all happened at the Bernabeu, saying he thought that Karim Benzema was going to get to the ball before Corentin Tolisso.
"When the back pass came in, it looked like Benzema would get a foot to it, so I adjusted for a one-on-one situation," Ulreich explained. "But then he went through and I only thought 'crap, now I can't get to it with my hand.'"
"It was a matter of milliseconds -- I had two thoughts and I didn't really decide."
"I have seen it a few times since, it was a mistake because I made the wrong decision. In 100 situations, this would happen just once."
Ulreich revealed that his Bayern teammates had been really good to him after the mistake. "The guys have been great," he said. "They all told me that we are a team and that being knocked out wasn't just because of my mistake."