The country's national squad is featured in this update. - Ter Stegen expresses dissatisfaction: No contemplation of retiring
Marc-André ter Stegen felt disappointed about being demoted to second-choice goalkeeper for the European Championship but accepted the decision. "It's not fun, but the coach has made his choice, which I respect even though I don't agree with it," said the Barcelona goalkeeper in the Germany national team's locker room.
He didn't even think about quitting the German team after Julian Nagelsmann opted to make Manuel Neuer the starter for the tournament.
"I spoke with the national coach about the sporting aspect and the human aspect. I want everyone to rely on me. Personally, it's very upsetting, but in the end, you have a responsibility to the team. I'll help where I can," the 32-year-old goalkeeper expressed.
Ter Stegen took over the top spot in the German team when Neuer was injured and sidelined after suffering a broken leg. Before the 2018 World Cup, he was once again replaced by Neuer as the main goalie. He was the first-choice goalie only once, during Germany's victory at the Confederations Cup 2017, when Joachim Löw relied on many regulars, including Neuer. To date, he has appeared in 40 international games.
Neuer acknowledged ter Stegen's disappointment after his return to the German team in a 0:0 draw against Ukraine on Monday. Ter Stegen mentioned that their friendship had nothing to do with the competition for the same position. "It's not about Manu. We both play the same position, but there's no personal issue between us. We get along well. Although we're competing for the same spot, that doesn't mean I can't like him," he said.
Ter Stegen refused to speculate about a possible recurrence of Neuer's injury. "I hope he gets well soon and never makes a mistake. That's how I am. It's not easy being the backup, but that's my role," he said. In Nagelsmann's Euros squad, there will be four goalkeepers: Neuer, ter Stegen, Oliver Baumann from Hoffenheim, and Alexander Nübel from Stuttgart - the first time a major tournament has featured four goalkeepers.
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Ter Stegen's dissatisfaction with his role in the DFB squad didn't lead to a potential resignation, despite being demoted in favor of Manuel Neuer for the EURO. The FC Barcelona goalkeeper expressed his feelings to the DFB coach, emphasizing his desire to be a reliable team member. Ter Stegen's term as the German team's first-choice goalkeeper was brief, mainly during Neuer's injury in 2017.
His friendship with Neuer, a fellow Bayern Munich and German national team colleague, transcended the competition for the same position. Ter Stegen empathized with Neuer's recent injury, expressing hope for a swift recovery and no future mistakes.
Germany's DFB squad, led by Julian Nagelsmann, selected four goalkeepers for the EURO, marking the first time a major tournament had four goalkeepers, including Neuer, ter Stegen, Oliver Baumann, and Alexander Nübel. The decision to feature four goalkeepers in the national team jersey sparked conversations in the realm of soccer and German soccer enthusiasts in Herzogenaurach and beyond.
The degradation of Neuer's injury saw Ter Stegen temporarily assume the main goalkeeper role, but the DFB coach opted for a change prior to the World Cup, forcing Ter Stegen back to the bench.
The country's national soccer team faced criticism with Nagelsmann's announcement of the Euros squad, raising questions about the team's unity and dynamics. Coupled with Ter Stegen's continuing role as a backup, the DFB squad's development and future under Nagelsmann remained a hot topic before the start of the European Championship.
