‘It’s not the first time they’ve done it’ – Barcelona slammed for treatment of one player | OneFootball

La Liga champions Barcelona have this weekend come in for some altogether heavy criticism, owing to their ongoing treatment of Marc-André ter Stegen.

The name of shot-stopper Ter Stegen has of course taken its place centre stage in the headlines in Catalunya’s capital across the summer to date.

Unfortunately for the German, however, as much comes for altogether less than positive reasons.

Less than a year on from being considered the undisputed no.1 in Barcelona’s squad, Ter Stegen all of a sudden finds himself relegated to third choice.

This comes owing to the respective arrivals of Wojciech Szczęsny and Joan García.

With as much in mind, Hansi Flick is understood to have informed the 33-year-old that game time will be at a premium for him this coming season, forcing Ter Stegen towards the Camp Nou exit door.

Many have been critical of the Blaugrana for their handling of the situation, with Ter Stegen having been plying his trade for the club for over 10 years now.

And as alluded to above, this weekend, a new voice has added to the backlash against the Spanish champions.

Speaking during an interview with Sky Sport, as cited by Diario Sport, ex-goalkeeper and German international René Adler explained:

“It’s a brutal blow to a loyal captain. He has always been by the side of the club, even when things went wrong, even when they asked him to make personal efforts. And now, that he is coming back from a complicated injury, they don’t even give him the opportunity to fight for his position.

“They put a competitor in front of him. We know how these mechanisms work: that has to be said bluntly, they are pushing it out. This type of situation is not new at Barça. It’s not the first time that a veteran has been treated like this.

“He can’t afford not to play. Especially after a knee operation like the one you’ve had. Every game, every training session, every minute between the sticks counts to regain the physical and mental security he needs.

“If a real option arises at a club where he can play regularly, especially in a year like this, I am convinced that he will take it. He has to. If he does not play, he risks losing his place in the national team and compromising a World Cup that could be his big event.”

Conor Laird – GSFN