Bayern Leverkusen’s Chicharito fires towards goals from five metres. The fans are about to erupt into celebrations, but Marc-André ter Stegen ensures otherwise with a fine save. This save shortly before the end was one of many from the German international in the FC Barcelona goal on the night.
The 23-year-old put on a spectacular performance as his side scraped a 1-1 draw against on matchday 6 in the Champions League. The current holders has already secured first place in the group prior to the match and were without a number of stars before the game. DFB.de caught up with the four-time Germany international to discuss Lionel Messi, Bayer’s performance and his own ambitions.
Question: How did you reflect on the game as a team?
Marc-André Ter Stegen: It was clear to us that Leverkusen wanted to take the opportunity to progress. We did well with a lot of younger players in the team. For us it was especially important that we didn’t lose.
Question: Despite all the younger players, it was Lionel Messi once again who made the difference. How important is he for the team?
Ter Stegen: He is irreplaceable for us. Leo Messi has incredible quality. He can always make the difference, as he showed once again with his goal. But you should also give credit to Ivan Rakitic for his exceptional pass.
Question: Was the result fair in your eyes?
Ter Stegen: Leverkusen were the better side for large spells. We did well to get the opening goal. Then they bounced back well, which wasn’t our plan.
Bayern Leverkusen’s Chicharito fires towards goals from five metres. The fans are about to erupt into celebrations, but Marc-André ter Stegen ensures otherwise with a fine save. This save shortly before the end was one of many from the German international in the FC Barcelona goal on the night.
The 23-year-old put on a spectacular performance as his side scraped a 1-1 draw against on matchday 6 in the Champions League. The current holders has already secured first place in the group prior to the match and were without a number of stars before the game. DFB.de caught up with the four-time Germany international to discuss Lionel Messi, Bayer’s performance and his own ambitions.
Question: How did you reflect on the game as a team?
Marc-André Ter Stegen: It was clear to us that Leverkusen wanted to take the opportunity to progress. We did well with a lot of younger players in the team. For us it was especially important that we didn’t lose.
Question: Despite all the younger players, it was Lionel Messi once again who made the difference. How important is he for the team?
Ter Stegen: He is irreplaceable for us. Leo Messi has incredible quality. He can always make the difference, as he showed once again with his goal. But you should also give credit to Ivan Rakitic for his exceptional pass.
Question: Was the result fair in your eyes?
Ter Stegen: Leverkusen were the better side for large spells. We did well to get the opening goal. Then they bounced back well, which wasn’t our plan.
Question: That’s another German team knocked out of the Champions League. Do you sympathise with that?
Ter Stegen: He cannot have any sympathy on the pitch. First and foremost we always concentrate on ourselves, everything else is irrelevant. But obviously we had a bit of luck today.
Question: How satisfied are you with your own performance?
Ter Stegen: I think it was a very, very good game for me. That is important.
Question: Do you hope that such performances like today will encourage Luis Enrique to not “only” use play in the Champions League?
Ter Stegen: We can’t say "only” the Champions League. It’s the best competition in Europe. I can only give my best, the rest is up to the manager.
