According to the Spanish news agency EFE, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen expressed his “great disappointment” at being the reserve goalkeeper during this summer’s UEFA Euro tournament.
In the German team’s training camp, Ter Stegen admitted that not starting in the upcoming Euros made him “very unhappy.” However, despite his dissatisfaction, he demonstrated professionalism, emphasizing that his “responsibility to the team” compelled him to accept the decision and promising to give his “all.”
In his statement, Ter Stegen mentioned his conversation with the head coach. He said, “I have expressed my point of view to the head coach. Sports competition is one thing, and respect between people is another. I hope to earn the team’s trust.”
He specifically underlined that his discontent was “not about Manuel Neuer,” who is expected to be the starting goalkeeper. “My relationship with Manuel is good; this is purely a competitive issue on a sporting level,” Ter Stegen added.
Neuer, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper, showed understanding, acknowledging the intense competition for the position. “Every coach can only choose one goalkeeper to play, and such decisions are never easy,” he said.
Neuer recognized Ter Stegen’s abilities, stating, “Marc knows the situation well. He is a world-class goalkeeper and performs exceptionally. But in football, these things happen often.”