Boost for Barcelona as Germany coach fires warning to Ter Stegen

Germany’s national team coach Julian Nagelsmann has added a caveat to Marc-André ter Stegen’s position as the first-choice goalkeeper. 

The Barcelona shot-stopper became Germany’s No. 1 following the retirement of Manuel Neuer and has gotten the vote of confidence from Julian Nagelsmann. 

However, with Ter Stegen's position at Barcelona now threatened by the arrival of Joan Garcia from Espanyol, the former Bayern Munich head coach sounded a warning. 

In a conversation with German media, Nagelsmann maintained that the former Borussia Monchengladbach man remains their first-choice shot-stopper. However, he added a caveat that the situation could change if Marc stops being Barcelona’s number one. 

“He is our number one if he is healthy, and he is number one at his club,” he said, per MD. “In my thoughts, I know that Marc will return in December; he will play both matches in March, in June too, and then he will compete in the World Cup.

“The rhythm of games and training is very important, and he knows it. If he’s his club’s starting goalkeeper again, he can certainly be our starting goalkeeper, because he deserves it, but he must meet the necessary conditions like any other player.”

The Blaugrana have been trying to push Ter Stegen out, as they have committed to making Garcia their new first-choice goalkeeper. However, the German has refused to leave.

With Nagelsmann’s recent comments, the 2015 Champions League-winning star could be motivated to switch clubs to guarantee himself more playtime.

Ter Stegen is currently convalescing after undergoing back surgery. He announced that he will be out for three months.