Marc-André Ter Stegen has had difficult weeks: First the German national goalkeeper was degraded at FC Barcelona, then his back caused him again problems. Because of his operation and the following break, the most recently speculated about a possible comeback by veteran Manuel Neuer in the DFB team. On Wednesday, national coach Julian Nagelsmann commented on the rumors about the captain of FC Bayern.
“In my thoughts I know that Marc will come back in December, then the two games will play in March, in June, and then the World Cup will play,” said Julian Nagelsmann on Wednesday in a discussion round at the international coaching congress in Leipzig.
For the upcoming games of the German national team in the World Cup qualification against Slovakia, Northern Ireland and Luxembourg, he planned with a replacement, but a surprise was excluded by the national coach.
The greatest hopes can therefore probably make Marc-André Ter Stegen’s representative Oliver Baumann (TSG Hoffenheim) and Alexander Nübel from VfB Stuttgart.
Nagelsmann said: “Manu played a very good club World Championships about the Manuel Neuer resigned after the home European Championships 2024, but we made the decision very deliberately.” Stand now “there is no consideration” to bring it back.
“It was totally bitter for Marc”
At Ter Stegen he “assumes” that this “will be number one again in winter”, which he anticipated a possible change of club. Basically, the DFB coach is “not worried” at all on the goalkeeper position, where he has “many good” people.
Video: Ter Stegen injured! New comeback at the DFB team?
Ter Stegen fails for several months after his new back surgery. This means that the 33-year-old is not available for international matches in September, October and November. He was also degraded to number three at Barca.
“It was totally bitter for Marc. I have a great exchange with him, he can correctly assess the situation,” said Nagelsmann, “he is number one when he is healthy and the number one in the club. He knows that.”