The German national soccer team starts the international match year without Manuel Neuer. Marc-André ter Stegen is now renewing his desire to take his place as the DFB-Elf's first-choice goalkeeper. Even if he wishes his seriously injured competitor all the best.
Marc-André ter Stegen has again announced Manuel Neuer the fight for the number 1 goal of the German national soccer team. He will talk to national coach Hansi Flick about his role before the international matches against Peru (March 25) and Belgium (March 28), he told the “kicker”. "The coach will then make the decisions he has to make. I also believe that he will implement his new ideas very consistently and that there will be some personnel changes," said the former Gladbacher. Goalkeeper Kevin Trapp from Eintracht Frankfurt is also hoping for more appearances, since the previous goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is injured.
Ter Stegen plans to be between the posts at the home European Championship in 2024. "Of course I aspire to be number 1: at Barça, but also in the national team," he said. "That's why it's important for me now that I play a lot for Barcelona and for the national team and that I do my best."
The 30-year-old is convinced of himself: "I believe that my performances in recent years have been right and that I have matured in the national team and am ready for the next step," said ter Stegen. He will "do everything to ensure that I can show my maximum performance in the position I am now in and help the team". With Flick, the order was clear so far: Captain Neuer was his number one, followed by Ter Stegen in front of Trapp.
Despite all the sporting competition, Ter Stegen wishes the Bayern goalkeeper who is currently injured a successful comeback. "I hope he has a good rehab period and comes back strong. I wish that for him personally, but also as a footballer and colleague," said the 30-year-old.
Since making his debut for Germany in 2012, Ter Stegen has played 30 international matches, half of which were friendlies. Although he won the Confederations Cup with Germany in 2017, he was usually number two behind Neuer. However, the 36-year-old Neuer is now missing due to a broken leg.
