Barcelona (dpa / lby) – Marc-André ter Stegen still does not want to be satisfied with the reserve role in the German national football team behind goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. You can’t get used to that when you have personal goals, said the 30-year-old FC Barcelona goalkeeper in an interview with the Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo.
“Of course I would like to play more, but you have to say that Manu has done a great job for the German national team over the years, and we can’t forget that and the successes,” said ter Stegen, adding: “I’ll always stay same, I’ll try to do my best at Barca to be able to offer solutions to the coach if he has other ideas. Here I’m supposed to work hard and fight for the position.”
At least in the international matches in March, Ter Stegen should have a chance of probation, since Bayern professional Neuer (36) is not available because of a broken leg.
A good four weeks after the preliminary round at the World Cup in Qatar, ter Stegen has put his future role in the team of national coach Hansi Flick out of his mind for the time being. He no longer thinks about the national team because now is not the time. With the derby against Espanyol on Saturday, he wants to focus his attention on Barça when the league games start again.
After 14 match days, FC Barcelona is in first place in the Primera Division, two points ahead of defending champions and Champions League winners Real Madrid. “After all the time we played before the World Cup, I think we deserve to be at the top. And now it’s time to fight these six months to finally get the trophy too.” , said Ter Stegen.
