Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has delivered a crushing blow to Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s hopes of reclaiming his starting spot at the Spanish giant.
Ter Stergen made headlines earlier this season after Barcelona decided to sign Joan Garcia from Espanyol. The arrival of the Olympic gold medallist was reportedly met with hostility by Ter Stegen, leading to reports of a ‘feud’ behind the scenes.
Things got worse when Ter Stergen was informed he would not be the first or second choice options in 2025-26, with Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny ahead of him. His attempt to make it difficult for Barca to register Garcia resulted in him being stripped of the captain’s armband, though that issue was soon resolved.
Ter Stergen who was named in the squad for the Champions League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt has now been told he’ll have to settle for the number three spot in the goalkeeping department.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen trains during the match between FC Barcelona and Eintracht Frankfurt (Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Speaking ahead of Barcelona return to La Liga action, Hansi Flick made it abundantly clear that there is no rotation planned between the sticks.
He reaffirmed his faith in summer signing Joan Garcia, dismissing the notion that the position is up for grabs.
“Joan is number one,” Flick stated emphatically. “I am not going to talk about the number two or number three goalkeeper. Joan plays, we believe in him and I have no idea of changing Joan. And he has done very well.”
He added: “Of course I’ve spoken to him. It’s my job, but it’s something between him and me. ”
Flicks’ submission on the subject matter is coming at a time when playing at the highest level is required for Ter Stegen to make Germany’s FIFA World Cup team.
Following the retirement of Manuel Neuer in the national team, Germany’s number one role is up for grab with Ter Stergen likely to lose to Alexander Nubel or Oliver Baumann.
The January transfer window serves as a huge opportunity for Ter Stergen to make a huge decision with clubs in the Bundesliga and perhaps even the Premier League monitoring the situation.
