Customers receive charging mats from Outlets; company ponders future potential - Ter Stegen's discontentment: No contemplation of retiring.
Marc-André ter Stegen finds it difficult to handle being dropped to the second-string goalkeeper at the Euros. "It's not a pleasant situation. The coach has made his decision, which I accept, even though I don't agree with it," shared the Barcelona keeper on Tuesday at the Germany team's training ground.
Though he had thought about quitting the German national team after Julian Nagelsmann chose Manuel Neuer as the starting goalkeeper, ter Stegen ultimately decided against it. "There's the sporting side and the human side. I want everyone to trust me," said the 32-year-old. "It's very disappointing for me, but you have a responsibility to the team. I'll pitch in where I can," he promised.
Ter Stegen had taken the position as the main goalkeeper for the German side during Neuer's lengthy injury rehabilitation following his leg fracture. Much like before the 2018 World Cup, he was demoted to the backup goalkeeper shortly before the tournament. His only stint as the number one keeper in a tournament was at the Confederations Cup 2017 when Joachim Löw, mostly relying on his regulars, including Neuer. So far, he has made 40 international appearances.
Neuer empathized with ter Stegen's disappointment following his comeback to Germany's team on Monday against Ukraine (0:0), having been sidelined for 18 months. Ter Stegen confirmed that he and Neuer maintained a good rapport. "There's no issue with Manu. We hold the same position. But it doesn't impact our personal relationship. It's nice to have mutual understanding," he said.
While wishing Neuer a clean bill of health and flawless performances, ter Stegen didn't elaborate on the possibility of another setback for the Bayern Munich stopper. "It's not my style. It's hard to be the second choice, but I can live up to that," he added. The Euro squad features four goalkeepers, including Neuer, ter Stegen, Oliver Baumann of Hoffenheim, and Alexander Nübel of Stuttgart, marking the first time such a situation has transpired in a major tournament.
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Ter Stegen's disappointment was palpable when he was demoted to the second-string goalkeeper for Germany's national team during the Euros, echoing a similar situation before the 2018 World Cup. Despite these setbacks, Marc-André ter Stegen, the DFB squad goalkeeper, hails from Bavaria and has made 40 appearances for the German national soccer team.
Though Julian Nagelsmann opted for Manuel Neuer as the starting goalkeeper for the national team, ter Stegen considered resigning but ultimately decided against it, citing his desire to maintain trust within the team. The DFB jersey, a symbol of German pride, has seen both ter Stegen and Neuer wear it during the Euros and other major tournaments, such as the EM.
As the German national team prepares for future tournaments, debate ensues over the merits of having multiple top-tier goalkeepers in the DFB squad, like ter Stegen, Neuer, Oliver Baumann, and Alexander Nübel. Meanwhile, FC Barcelona's Ter Stegen continues to support his German counterpart, Neuer, in his return to the national team after a long injury layoff.
The town of Herzogenaurach, where the German Football Association (DFB) is headquartered, has been a significant hub in the evolution of German soccer, fostering the growth of talented players such as ter Stegen and Neuer, who have proudly represented the nation's flag on the international stage. Despite the team's ups and downs, including degradation in performance, the unity and resilience of the German national soccer team endure.
In the world of soccer, individuals like ter Stegen and Neuer showcase the human side of the sport, where skill meets camaraderie. Despite being competitors, their personal rapport remains intact, a testament to their shared passion for the game and their commitment to the German national team. Through thick and thin, they have stood by one another, donning the DFB jersey with pride.
