Football/ Ter Stegen vs. Barça: Tensions reach boiling point
Marc-André ter Stegen’s relationship with Barcelona has deteriorated beyond repair, both professionally and personally. After missing most of last season due to injury, the German goalkeeper returned only to find the club had signed Wojciech Szczęsny and now young Joan Garcia as the new starter.
Ter Stegen, unwilling to be a backup, demanded the No. 1 spot, but Barça’s plans didn’t include him. A back injury further complicated matters, ruling him out for months.
The club accused him of exaggerating his recovery timeline to block Garcia’s registration, but Ter Stegen refused to sign a medical report declaring him unfit for four months; which would free up a squad spot.
The 32-year-old insists he’ll be fit by September and won’t sacrifice his playing time for Barça’s administrative issues.
With the locker room backing him, Ter Stegen remains defiant, while the club considers sanctions. A standoff with no end in sight.
