Marc-Andre ter Stegen: “It was important to resolve the issue with Barcelona” | OneFootball

Marc-Andre ter Stegen stepped into the spotlight ahead of Barcelona’s Joan Gamper Trophy clash against Como and delivered a captain’s speech that felt like a fresh chapter for both him and the club.

Greeted with warm applause that drowned out a few timid whistles, the German goalkeeper approached the microphone with visible tension, waiting to see how the fans would respond.

The presenter lightened the mood: “Maybe in Catalan, no pressure, Marc,” she teased. Smiling wryly, Ter Stegen replied, “No pressure, yes…” with a touch of irony, clutching a sheet of paper to make sure he didn’t forget his words.

The tension melted away when the stadium erupted in applause, signalling a truce between player and supporters. “Thank you very much,” he said, clearly moved by the reception from the packed Estadi Johan Cruyff.

Time of reconciliation

From the outset, Ter Stegen struck a conciliatory and forward-looking tone. “It’s a long time coming. Thank you very much for coming to the Johan.

“Obviously, we all share the same excitement and want to return to the Camp Nou, our home. There’s very little time left,” he began, before briefly addressing recent off-pitch matters.

“As for me, I think it was important to resolve the issue between the club and me, and it’s time to look forward.”

The captain then looked ahead to the new campaign. “We’re very excited for this season to get underway, which will be very demanding.

“We’ve worked hard to achieve many goals. Last season, we won three titles, thanks in part to the players who have left the club. We want to thank them for their efforts last year…

“We now have new faces and a well-known one like Tek; I want to welcome them and offer them my support… With these signings, we’re going to be stronger.”

Self criticism

He didn’t shy away from self-criticism either: “We must improve in some aspects and, as always, we will fight for every trophy again. We hope that, with your help, we can win as many titles as possible.”

Before finishing, Ter Stegen expressed gratitude to Hansi Flick and his staff: “Thank you to Hansi and his staff, with whom we have enjoyed a lot. They have given us back a very successful game.”

He ended with a heartfelt declaration: “Now we have a squad with a lot of character and energy. We hope for success. I appreciate you, culers. Long live Barça and long live Catalonia.”

The ovation that followed reassured the German and confirmed his restored standing as the team’s leader.