Ter Stegen, on being Germany’s starting goalkeeper
Barcelona goalkeeper celebrates opportunity with the retirement of Neuer, the undisputed owner of the German number 1 shirt for 15 years
The September FIFA World Cup marks the beginning of a new era for Ter Stegen in Germany. After 12 years in the shadow of Neuer, who retired from international football , the Barcelona goalkeeper is the new number 1 for the national team and celebrated the opportunity to finally take over the position. His “rival” spent 15 years as the undisputed starter in the position.
– Of course it was a different feeling, but it didn’t change everything. I’m happy that the waiting time, or however you want to describe it, is over. My goal was always to become number one, but that didn’t go my way over the last decade. I had Manuel Neuer in front of me, someone who had an incredible career and was able to withstand the pressure of a competitor in his position. I want to congratulate him for everything he has achieved, both with the national team and at club level – said Ter Stegen, in a press conference on Thursday.
In the coming days, Germany will play the first two rounds of Group 3 of the Nations League. They will host Hungary this Saturday in Düsseldorf and visit the Netherlands next Tuesday in Amsterdam. Bosnia is the other team in the group.
Ter Stegen was first called up to the Germany national team in May 2012. Since then, he has spent 12 years in the shadow of Neuer, who is a regular starter. The Barça goalkeeper has played 39 official games for the national team during this period (when his opponent was absent).
Neuer was a member of the German national team between 2009 and 2024. He played 124 games in total, including the 2014 World Cup winning campaign in Brazil. The Bayern Munich goalkeeper has been the team’s captain in recent years, including the most recent tournament, the European Championship – played on home soil – in which the team was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Spain.
– Marc is number 1. Deservedly number 1. He has shown great performances at Barcelona and over the years – commented the German national team coach, Julian Nagelsmann.
