Former Spain goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen lashes out over Barcelona standoff

 

Barcelona’s match against Marc-André ter Stegen could impact Hansi Flick’s start to the 2025/26 season in Catalonia.

In recent weeks, Ter Stegen has been prepared to remain calm under increasing pressure from the club, as a previously smooth summer season has hit a major snag.

Barcelona’s decision to sign Joan García from Espanyol in June sparked friction and highlighted Flick’s plans to replace him as starting goalkeeper with the Germany international.

However, Barcelona needs Ter Stegen to change his stance, register García as a La Liga player, and approve Wojciech Szczesny’s contract extension at the club.

Ter Stegen initially stated he would only be out for three months, meaning Barcelona could not invoke La Liga’s regulations regarding using “salary space” from injured players to sign new stars.

The goalkeeper also refused a request to submit his medical report to La Liga, and Barcelona stated that he would be out for four to five months.

La Liga legend publicly criticized Ter Stegen over his dispute with Barcelona

“The captain represents the players during matches and also at the negotiating table regarding bonuses or disputes. He cannot be lazy, create a bad atmosphere, or be selfish,” Cadena COPE reported via Mundo Deportivo.

He must set an example. He must encourage everyone to commit fully, perform well, be a team player, create a good atmosphere, and work hard to resolve conflicts.

“But if you create conflict, if you have an open conflict with the club, then there’s no point in having that player as captain. Now, the captain should be the one to resolve ter Stegen’s conflict.”

As a result, Barcelona has now launched disciplinary proceedings against the former Borussia Mönchengladbach goalkeeper and stripped him of his captaincy.

It is rumored that Ter Stegen remains unmoved by the latest news and hopes to remain at Barcelona until the 2025/26 season, but the incident has sparked a backlash.

As the situation unfolded, former Real Madrid and Spain star Santiago Cañizares publicly criticized Ter Stegen’s attitude.