German NT’s request behind Ter Stegen starting for Barcelona vs Guadalajara – report | OneFootball

Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s return to the Barcelona starting XI in the Copa del Rey tie against Guadalajara, seven months after undergoing surgery for back problems, came as a major surprise not only to onlookers but also to many within the club.

While everything indicated that Wojciech Szczesny would be starting in the cup tie, Hansi Flick made a late change to put the 33-year-old German international into the team.

It was reported that Szczesny himself spoke with the Barça head coach about giving Ter Stegen a start, but there may have been an additional factor behind Flick’s decision.

Germany request played a role

Indeed, according to Catalunya Radio (h/t SPORT), the German Football Association (DFB), led by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, contacted Flick to request that Ter Stegen be given minutes in order to assess his condition after injury.

With Manuel Neuer having retired from international duty, the Barça goalkeeper is the leading candidate to become Germany’s first-choice keeper for the next World Cup.

Ter Stegen made his first appearance of the season vs Guadalajara. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Still, his recent physical issues have sparked debate in Germany, with some even calling for Neuer’s return.

Nagelsmann has repeatedly stated that Ter Stegen is his No. 1, but has also made clear that his status will depend on the minutes he accumulates between now and the World Cup, whether at Barça or potentially at another club.

In his first appearance of the season on Tuesday against Guadalajara, Ter Stegen was not heavily tested, but he did make a couple of solid saves and kept a clean sheet.

While he might have made an appearance in the cup tie, Flick and Barcelona are clear that Joan Garcia remains the team’s first-choice goalkeeper and that Ter Stegen might not get many minutes.

So, the ball is in the German shot-stopper’s court to decide whether he remains at Barcelona or opts to leave on loan in January, with there being a long list of suitors for his services.