by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) — If anybody on the German nationwide soccer staff understands the problem of persistence, it is Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Since his debut within the German shirt in 2012, the Barcelona goalkeeper has constantly challenged his largest rival, Manuel Neuer, however has by no means managed to surpass the Bayern keeper.
One 12 months forward of Euro 2024, the 31-year-old is satisfied that issues have modified. The five-time La Liga champion confidently asserts that his time because the nation’s No. 1 has lastly arrived.
Ter Stegen appeared relaxed when he confronted questions on the each day press convention. Calmness surrounded him, and his responses have been direct and clear.
“Things have changed,” he said forward of the friendlies towards Japan and France. “Currently, I am the No. 1, and I intend to maintain that position.”
The previous had been completely different. Since becoming a member of Barca in 2014, the goalkeeper constantly delivered spectacular membership seasons however typically discovered himself on the bench within the nationwide staff.
In 2018, Neuer returned in time for the FIFA World Cup in Russia after a prolonged damage break as a consequence of a damaged foot. Ter Stegen might need felt unfairly handled after an excellent season with Barcelona.
“I am not just a replacement anymore,” Ter Stegen asserted, emphasizing his seriousness.
He acknowledged that “Manuel has returned to training” after his snowboarding accident, expressing his happiness for Neuer and sending greatest needs for a full restoration.
He promptly mentioned why he stays optimistic that issues will flip in his favor this time. “I have been waiting for so long. And if I perform well, there should be no doubt,” he mentioned, promising to offer his all to keep up his place.
In his view, 29 membership video games with out conceding a purpose tells the story.
Despite his age benefit, the Barcelona keeper is assured that his constant excellent performances needs to be acknowledged.
“I don’t waste energy thinking about the implications of Manuel being back in training with 10 months until the 2024 Euro kick-off,” mentioned the 34-time capped keeper.
Ter Stegen’s confidence seems justified. He appears to have reached the height of his profession, and plenty of contemplate him the world’s greatest.
Furthermore, the upcoming video games for the struggling German facet supply a possibility to enhance beneath the steering of Hansi Flick.
The under-pressure German nationwide coach is undoubtedly happy to have a keeper of Ter Stegen’s high quality whereas Neuer is sidelined.
Despite efforts to discover a promising lineup and obtain constructive outcomes, Flick needn’t fear a lot when contemplating his goalkeeper. Choosing Barcelona’s No. 1 over Bayern’s best choice looks as if a luxurious drawback.