Okay, here’s the extracted and translated content:
Lothar Matthäus has a clear recommendation for the German goalkeeper after Marc-André ter Stegen’s demotion at FC Barcelona.
For Lothar Matthäus, Marc-André ter Stegen has no other choice than to flee after his demotion at FC Barcelona – if he wants to be the number one in goal for the German national team at the 2026 World Cup.
“If he wants to be at the World Cup, he has to change,” said the German record international player at BILD. “Ter Stegen will no longer play for Barcelona in my opinion. He has to play to fulfill his dream of the World Cup.”
Lothar Matthäus speaks about the situation of Marc-André ter Stegen
Matthäus: “Nothing is bigger than the club”
In general, Matthäus recommended that the 33-year-old accept the modest situation. “These are decisions that you have to accept. There should be no complaining. For sporting or economic reasons,” emphasized the 64-year-old.
“Such decisions have been made before, that’s part of football. This is not an isolated case,” Matthäus explained, clarifying: “It’s not Hansi Flick, it’s the Barcelona club. And nothing is bigger than the club, that also applies to Barca.”
Matthäus shows understanding for ter Stegen
Nevertheless, the TV expert also showed sympathy for the situation of the ex-Gladbacher: “I understand ter Stegen: He has offered good performances, has been captain, has his private life in Barcelona. But he has to accept that: Barcelona has other ideas, other plans.”
Ter Stegen was demoted to third goalkeeper at the Catalans behind new signing Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny. The German national goalkeeper did not complete the first training session in preparation for the new season with the team, but individually in the fitness room.
Despite his situation, the 33-year-old had recently stated several times that he does not want to leave the club. His contract with Barca runs until 2028.