Bad news for DFB keepers
Hansi Flick makes a clear announcement to Marc-André ter Stegen
12/12/2025 – 6:28 p.mReading time: 1 min.
Marc-André ter Stegen is back in the Barcelona squad after his back injury. But there is only bad news from coach Hansi Flick.
“No one else, there is no number two or three. There is absolutely no question of replacing Joan. He is doing a very good job,” said Flick.
Ter Stegen, who has returned from back surgery, was back in the squad for the first time on Tuesday in the Champions League against Eintracht Frankfurt. Flick confirmed that he had spoken to Ter Stegen about his future, but emphasized that these discussions should remain confidential: “I spoke to him, that’s my job,” he said. “But it remains a matter between him and me.”
Ter Stegen’s ambitions to be in Germany’s goal at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico will probably require a change of club in the winter. National coach Julian Nagelsmann has made it clear that regular appearances are a basic requirement for a nomination.
Ter Stegen last played for Germany in the game for third place in the Nations League against France on June 8th. At Barcelona he was in goal for the last time on the penultimate league matchday of last season against Villarreal FC. Before the season, Ter Stegen was stripped of his number one status as a result of a dispute over the predicted downtime following back surgery.