The Sochi sun beats down those who are training in the 30 degree heat, and the numerous journalists who have made the journey to the coast of the Black Sea in Russia, as they gather round six of Die Mannschaft’s players. T-shirts are soaked with sweat, but there’s not a single bead of sweat on Marc-André ter Stegen’s forehead. The 25-year-old goalkeeper is likely to come up against Chicharito tonight, and then perhaps Alexis Sánchez in a few days time if everything goes to plan. It’s no secret that ter Stegen is going to have to make some saves against some of the best forwards that the world has to offer, should Die Mannschaft fulfil their dream of winning the Confed Cup.
“You prepare for everything,” replied ter Stegen to a journalist who asked if he’s already made himself familiar with which corner the Mexicans favour in a penalty shootout. “Chicharito isn’t a nobody – he’s got an incredible nose for goal,” he said.
“We can win the tournament”
Germany play Mexico in the semi-final of the FIFA Confederations Cup tonight, in the tenth and what could be the final edition of the tournament. Ter Stegen is very much looking forward to what should be a top-class game between the World Cup winners and the North American champions. “We can win the tournament. Everyone is keen to bring their A-game.”
The team has been together for three weeks now, and they’ve had to do a lot of work during their time here. Niklas Süle, Antonio Rüdiger or Shkodran Mustafi fill in the centre-back slots in front of the goalkeeper, and they’ve developed chemistry and a real understanding of one another’s game. When a journalist asked how they’ve formed such good chemistry in such a short space of time, he replied: “Everything’s easier when you’re set on the same goal.”
“A very talented team”
He feels comfortable amongst such a young group that features several players making their debut with Die Mannschaft. “We’ve got a very talented team here. Every player has a lot of experience playing in the league. We won our group with a convincing team,” said the FC Barcelona goalkeeper.
Ter Stegen has been Germany’s number one choice in net for the Confed Cup since the second group-stage game against Chile – so it’s safe to say that he’s the number two overall. Germany manager Joachim Löw explained his decision in the final press conference before the semi-final: “It’s important for a goalkeeper to play two or three games in succession. Marc is a fantastic goalkeeper.” Ter Stegen is a realist, and he has experience of fighting for a place after competing for the FC Barcelona job against Claudio Bravo. He won the treble in his first year with the Catalonian club. Bravo played in the league, whilst he played in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, helping Barcelona to win all three titles.
“Barca have helped me reach a new level”
Ter Stegen took over the role of Barcelona’s starting goalkeeper in the summer of 2016. Now he knows that he’ll “100 percent” play against Mexico. Job security is an important factor, and praise and recognition can help. “It’s nice if people say that I was a part of the team that won the tournament, but the only thing that counts for me is that the manager has shown his confidence in me.”
Ter Stegen, who grew up in Mönchengladbach, moved to FC Barcelona from his boyhood club for the 2015/15 season. A month ago he extended his contract with the club until 2022, in which a very, very high release clause is included, so the media have reported. He told the Frankfurter Allgemeinen: “It shows how much the club value an individual.” What’s more, he values his club just as much: “I’ve learned a lot during the years I’ve spent here in Barcelona. The club and the goalkeeper coach in Barcelona have helped me reach a new level as a person, as well as a footballer.”
This new level he has reached will now be tested on the international stage against Chicharito, and perhaps even Alexis Sánchez in the final. Marc-André ter Stegen remained humble, saying: “I’ll simply try to do my best and hope that everything turns out alright in the end.”
The Sochi sun beats down those who are training in the 30 degree heat, and the numerous journalists who have made the journey to the coast of the Black Sea in Russia, as they gather round six of Die Mannschaft’s players. T-shirts are soaked with sweat, but there’s not a single bead of sweat on Marc-André ter Stegen’s forehead. The 25-year-old goalkeeper is likely to come up against Chicharito tonight, and then perhaps Alexis Sánchez in a few days time if everything goes to plan. It’s no secret that ter Stegen is going to have to make some saves against some of the best forwards that the world has to offer, should Die Mannschaft fulfil their dream of winning the Confed Cup.
“You prepare for everything,” replied ter Stegen to a journalist who asked if he’s already made himself familiar with which corner the Mexicans favour in a penalty shootout. “Chicharito isn’t a nobody – he’s got an incredible nose for goal,” he said.
“We can win the tournament”
Germany play Mexico in the semi-final of the FIFA Confederations Cup tonight, in the tenth and what could be the final edition of the tournament. Ter Stegen is very much looking forward to what should be a top-class game between the World Cup winners and the North American champions. “We can win the tournament. Everyone is keen to bring their A-game.”
The team has been together for three weeks now, and they’ve had to do a lot of work during their time here. Niklas Süle, Antonio Rüdiger or Shkodran Mustafi fill in the centre-back slots in front of the goalkeeper, and they’ve developed chemistry and a real understanding of one another’s game. When a journalist asked how they’ve formed such good chemistry in such a short space of time, he replied: “Everything’s easier when you’re set on the same goal.”
“A very talented team”
He feels comfortable amongst such a young group that features several players making their debut with Die Mannschaft. “We’ve got a very talented team here. Every player has a lot of experience playing in the league. We won our group with a convincing team,” said the FC Barcelona goalkeeper.
Ter Stegen has been Germany’s number one choice in net for the Confed Cup since the second group-stage game against Chile – so it’s safe to say that he’s the number two overall. Germany manager Joachim Löw explained his decision in the final press conference before the semi-final: “It’s important for a goalkeeper to play two or three games in succession. Marc is a fantastic goalkeeper.” Ter Stegen is a realist, and he has experience of fighting for a place after competing for the FC Barcelona job against Claudio Bravo. He won the treble in his first year with the Catalonian club. Bravo played in the league, whilst he played in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, helping Barcelona to win all three titles.
“Barca have helped me reach a new level”
Ter Stegen took over the role of Barcelona’s starting goalkeeper in the summer of 2016. Now he knows that he’ll “100 percent” play against Mexico. Job security is an important factor, and praise and recognition can help. “It’s nice if people say that I was a part of the team that won the tournament, but the only thing that counts for me is that the manager has shown his confidence in me.”
Ter Stegen, who grew up in Mönchengladbach, moved to FC Barcelona from his boyhood club for the 2015/15 season. A month ago he extended his contract with the club until 2022, in which a very, very high release clause is included, so the media have reported. He told the Frankfurter Allgemeinen: “It shows how much the club value an individual.” What’s more, he values his club just as much: “I’ve learned a lot during the years I’ve spent here in Barcelona. The club and the goalkeeper coach in Barcelona have helped me reach a new level as a person, as well as a footballer.”
This new level he has reached will now be tested on the international stage against Chicharito, and perhaps even Alexis Sánchez in the final. Marc-André ter Stegen remained humble, saying: “I’ll simply try to do my best and hope that everything turns out alright in the end.”
