It is not exactly FC Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen’s favorite topic, but his status as the German national team’s No. 2 goalkeeper behind Bayern Munich star Manuel Neuer could be coming to an end soon.
Per report, the EURO 2024 competition is going to be Neuer’s final tourney with Germany. Still, that does not make Ter Stegen’s status as a back-up any easier to take. Below is an exchange that Ter Stegen had with Bild on the topic (as captured by @iMiaSanMia):
Marc-André ter Stegen on his #2 role at the Euros: “It’s not easy to get into a situation that you hoped would be different. The coach’s decision must be accepted and respected, even though I don’t agree with him. I’m trying to be at the best level in order to show my performance”
• Was this the toughest decision to accept in your career?
ter Stegen: “Certainly. It’s an important event. I would have liked to play, I make no secret of that. I think I had a lot of arguments in my favor. That’s why it wasn’t an easy decision for the coach. But I have to accept it.”
World Cup 2026?: “That’s still a bit far away. You don’t know what’s going to happen in football. I want to give my best performance in all situations over the next two years. I will leave no doubt that I’m in top form.”
Well, as Tom Petty said, “the waiting is the hardest part.” For Ter Stegen, it does not figure to be much longer.
Looking for more thoughts on Bayern Munich’s transfer strategy for the summer, including which players we would not mind seeing brought in? What about some ideas on whether or not Bayern Munich is set up to play a 4-4-2? Want even more? Well, we also have takes on Joshua Kimmich’s future in Bavaria, the German national team’s potential cut down, and Julian Nagelsmann’s possible mistake with Germany. Sound good? Then we have you covered with our Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show, which is available on Spotify or below: