Nagelsmann expresses confidence in Barca goalkeeper Ter Stegen
Barcelona goalkeeper Nagelsmann stepped onto the field for a public training session in Herzogenaurach, a wave of warm applause erupted from the stands
- BERLIN — As Marc-Andre ter Stegen makes his return to the German national
team for the UEFA Nations League Finals, the cheers of the fans and his coach's
vote of confidence may have come at the right time.
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- When the 33-year-old Barcelona goalkeeper stepped onto
the field for a public training session in Herzogenaurach, a wave of warm
applause erupted from the stands, showing fans' great anticipation ahead of his
return after an eight-month injury break, reports Xinhua.
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- German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann referred to
the 42-time capped player as "our undisputed number one".
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- Ahead of Germany's semifinal against Portugal next
Wednesday in Munich, Ter Stegen has undergone an energy-sapping rehabilitation
following a patellar tendon rupture back in September 2024.
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- "I am sure he is going to deliver two top
games," said Nagelsmann. "He doesn't need a frequent playing rhythm
as he is in an advanced age due to his experience."
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- He had reportedly a lengthy phone call with Barcelona's
coach Hansi Flick, his predecessor on the German coaching post.
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- "We talked about Marc's way back and his current
perfect shape," said Nagelsmann, adding that the goalkeeper's future
hasn't been a topic.
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- Reports say Barca president Joan Laporta has agreed on a
goalkeeper change, as rumors speak of 24-year-old Joan Garcia from Espanyol
having caught Barca's attention.
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- Ter Stegen's current contract will expire in 2028. He
only played two games after his return to team training, while 35-year-old Wojciech
Szczesny stood between the post in the Copa del Rey final and title-deciding
games in La Liga.
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- "He hasn't played too many games recently, but there
is no doubt that he is at a top level," the German coach stated.
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- With only a year remaining until the 2026 FIFA World Cup,
a club change could pose additional challenges for him.
