Barcelona have begun their pre-season campaign, and all the fit players are training under Hansi Flick’s command, barring Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who worked separately, citing a back issue.Physical a...
Barcelona have begun their pre-season campaign, and all the fit players are training under Hansi Flick’s command, barring Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who worked separately, citing a back issue.
Physical ailments aside, recent weeks have not been easy for the Barcelona captain on a personal level as well, especially after the club signed Joan Garcia to take over the starting goalkeeping role.
The plan is, quite clearly, to push the veteran goalkeeper out, especially given that this is a World Cup year. Ter Stegen, however, is not looking to leave and insists on staying and proving his point.
German legend tells Ter Stegen to leave
Speaking to the media in a recent interview, German legend Lothar Matthaus commented on Ter Stegen’s situation at Barcelona but surprisingly sided with the club and advised the goalkeeper to look for new destinations.
“These are decisions that must be accepted. You don’t have to complain,” he began, giving the Barcelona captain stern advice.
He then made it clear that the way he saw it, Ter Stegen would not play for Barcelona again.
“Ter Stegen will no longer play in Barcelona. He has to be consistent to fulfil his dream of playing in the World Cup.”
Staring at an uncertain future. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Sympathising with his compatriot, Matthaus admitted the entire situation would not be easy on the player.
“I understand Ter Stegen. He has played well, he has been captain and has his private life in Barcelona.”
“He has to accept that the club has other ideas, other plans. These are decisions that must be accepted. You don’t have to complain, and if you want to play the World Cup, you have to leave,” he added.
Giving Ter Stegen some much-needed positivity in a difficult moment, the German legend praised his form in the recent international break and spoke on his quality.
“Ter Stegen has returned in good shape after a long injury and has shown, especially in the Nations League against France, that he is still a world-class goalkeeper at the age of 33.”
He ended his interview urging top teams to take notice of the goalkeeper’s situation, particularly Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
“I don’t know what Manchester City is planning, but I don’t think they are very happy with Ederson. I think Ter Stegen could undoubtedly be his goalkeeper for the next three or four years.”
Source: SPORT
Category: General Sports
