Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Barcelona’s star goalkeeper, has candidly addressed the ongoing “unpleasant situation” he faces with the German national team as he prepares for Euro 2024. In a recent interview, ter Stegen revealed his frustrations and differing viewpoints with the team’s management, providing a glimpse into the challenges he endures despite his stellar performances at the club level.
Ter Stegen, who has been a key figure for Barcelona, consistently delivering exceptional performances, finds himself in a complex and challenging situation with the German national team. Despite his undeniable talent and contributions at the club level, he has often played second fiddle to Manuel Neuer in the national setup.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Barcelona goalkeeper will have to remain content with a place on the bench in the upcoming international competition on home soil as coach Julian Nagelsmann has decided to stick to Neuer as his preferred choice between the sticks. And in a candid admission at Germany’s training camp in Herzogenaurach, Ter Stegen expressed that although he accepts the manager’s decision, he doesn’t “agree with him.”
WHAT TER STEGEN SAID
Speaking to reporters, Ter Stegen said: “It’s not a pleasant situation. But the coach made the decision and I accept it, even if I don’t agree with him.”
Despite his frustration, Ter Stegen dispelled rumours about considering retirement from international duty.
“I told the national coach that one thing is the sporting aspect, the other is the human aspect,” he said. “I want everyone to be able to rely on me. At the end of the day, you have a responsibility to the group. I will help wherever I can.”
The 32-year-old was also quick to clarify that his relationship with Neuer remains professional and respectful.
“It has nothing to do with Manu, we have the same position,” he said. “But on a personal level, it has nothing to do with him. I never wish anything to happen to him or for him to make a mistake. That’s not me.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Facing the challenge of being the backup goalkeeper at a home European Championship is undeniably tough for Ter Stegen. Neuer also acknowledged the tough reality of their professional competition and offered words of empathy to his compatriot. “This is a well-known problem in the goalkeeper position,” he said. “There has never been a coach who has allowed two goalkeepers to play and the decision is always difficult. Marc knows the situation. It must be said, it’s regrettable because he really is a world-class goalkeeper who has shown good performances. But that’s also part of the business.”
WHAT NEXT?
In the Germany-Ukraine friendly, Neuer showcased his reliability by keeping a clean sheet. He will be in action again on Friday evening in another preparatory friendly against Greece before standing between the sticks in Germany’s campaign opener against Scotland in Euro 2024 on June 14.
