After eleven years in the national soccer team, Marc-André ter Stegen feels like the first DFB goalkeeper at the start of an international season.
“Yes, I’m number one at the moment. I’ve waited a long time for this moment and I think I can seize the moment. I’ll do everything I can to keep my status,” said the 31-year-old FC Barcelona goalkeeper before the first international matches of the European Championship season this Saturday (8.45 p.m.) against Japan and three days later in Dortmund against vice world champions France.
Changed starting position
While Ter Stegen is in top form and has been promoted to second-in-command at Barcelona as part of his contract extension, Neuer is still fighting for his comeback. “The situation has changed,” said the former Gladbacher, who has only played 34 goals since his national team debut in May 2012.
It’s not the first time Ter Stegen has hope. Even before the 2018 World Cup, Neuer was absent for a long time, as he is now injured – after his recovery and return to the national team at the tournament in Russia, he was still number one with the then national coach Joachim Löw.
After a broken leg and a ten-month break, Neuer is approaching his comeback at Bayern Munich. “I wish him that he gets back to his level,” said ter Stegen to Neuer. Of course, he never loses sight of his goals.