The Barcelona ‘keeper is still annoyed at some really close calls.
Marc-André ter Stegen’s career has been a very fruitful one, not only rising through Borussia Mönchengladbach’s ranks to become a star for his boyhood club before leaving to FC Barcelona, one of the biggest clubs in the world, winning a treble in his first season and then staying at the club for over a decade. However, the success at club level was not replicated at international level for Germany, because Ter Stegen had to make do as No.2 behind one of the greatest goalkeeper of all time, Manuel Neuer. For over a decade now, Ter Stegen has tried to win the starting spot from the Bayern Munich legend.
Despite this fact, however, the ‘keeper readily acknowledges Neuer’s immense quality. Speaking in a recent interview and asked if he has taken inspiration from Neuer, ter Stegen readily admitted that he has: “Actually, yes. I watch all goalkeepers and always look for what I can incorporate into my own repertoire,” he told Bild, as captured by @iMiaSanMia. “Manu’s style can’t be copied, but I’ve analyzed his long throws in more detail and how he can generate that power. There are things I can learn from him.”
But Ter Stegen also cannot help but agonize over the times Neuer has barely beaten him out to a starting role. Prior to the 2018 World Cup, for example, an injury has ruled Neuer out for over a year and saw Ter Stegen take over as Germany finished with a 100% record. But when Neuer managed to work his way back to full fitness just before the World Cup in Russia, Ter Stegen had to watch his starting role disappear just like that: “The 2018 decision hit me the hardest. I played almost every game; it was my best year up to that point. For me, it was unfair at the time.”
This was not the only time Ter Stegen was frustrated to not start at a major tournament. Ter Stegen was also unhappy that he could not start at the 2024 European Championship, held in Germany: “The way [Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann] explained it to me, it wasn’t an easy decision for him. Was I happy about it? Certainly not. I said I respected it – but I had a different opinion. But that doesn’t mean I appreciate him any less. Julian was and always is very honest. Accordingly, I’m really looking forward to everything that’s coming up with the national team.”
That optimism may stem from Ter Stegen finally solidifying the No.1 role at Germany for himself following Neuer’s retirement from international football. The former BMG player then suffered great misfortune, blowing out his knee and missing the last 6 months of football. But he still remains in the prime position to retain the No.1 role once he returns. Perhaps the 2026 World Cup will be Ter Stegen’s. He will certainly hope it is.
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