Girona director opens up about Ter Stegen’s injury setback – ‘It was a tragedy’ | OneFootball

Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s Girona career ended before it even started as the Barcelona veteran picked up a major injury just two games into his spell.

The German international is set to undergo surgery once again following his latest knock, effectively ruling him out for the season.

In light of ter Stegen’s fresh injury blow, Girona sporting director Quique Carcel spoke to the media (h/t Mundo Deportivo), opening up about the German’s absence.

Carcel on Ter Stegen

Carcel started by explaining why Girona signed ter Stegen in the first place, despite the fact that the goalkeeper had played very little football heading into the January transfer window.

“Naturally, we also had to sign a goalkeeper, and the possibility of signing Ter Stegen arose, so we did it,” he said.

The Girona sporting director went on to highlight the team’s defensive woes this season, which might have played a key role in further convincing the team to sign ter Stegen.

“If we look at the statistics, we’re one of the teams that has conceded the most goals, but the team has improved a lot over the last month and a half,” he said.

Ter Stegen has been ruled out for the season. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Carcel finally addressed ter Stegen’s injury as well, stating that it was unfortunate for the German international, whose chances of playing the World Cup are all but gone.

“What happened with Ter Stegen is tough. You sign a goalkeeper, and then he gets injured; it was a tragedy,” he added.

Talking about ter Stegen’s contractual situation, Carcel stated, “We signed Ter Stegen with all the implications.”

“Marc is prepared to overcome this situation, but it has been very tough for him. He will prepare to be at his best next season, because I see him as a very strong person,” he added.

Finally, Carcel feels Girona are well covered in the goalkeeping department despite ter Stegen’s injury.

“We’re well covered with Gazzaniga and Vlad, but we have to see if we have the budget for a goalkeeper who’s currently without a club.

“The reality is that if the reserve team goalkeeper could play with us, we’d be much more at ease, but he’s not under 23, so we can’t do that. We’re working on this situation; we’ll see what we can do,” he concluded.