Pressure tactic? Barcelona captain trains away from group for the second consecutive day | OneFootball

After not training with the rest of the squad on the first day of pre-season, Marc-Andre ter Stegen remained in the gym for the second day in a row.

The club’s official explanation is that the German goalkeeper is suffering from back discomfort, but the situation increasingly appears to be more of a cover than a genuine injury, reports Javi Miguel of AS.

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So far, no medical statement has been issued by Barcelona confirming Ter Stegen’s problem, and it would be highly irresponsible on the German’s part to return from holiday injured without having notified the medical staff beforehand.

It is no secret that this is becoming a tense standoff with no easy resolution.

As per the report, Ter Stegen has effectively decided, unilaterally, to distance himself from the group, seen as a form of pressure, while the club watches on with growing frustration at a scenario that is becoming increasingly uncomfortable.

Ter Stegen is training away from the group. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Hansi Flick had already met with Ter Stegen last week to inform him that he would now be the third-choice goalkeeper, behind Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny, and that he was free to consider a departure.

However, club sources have indicated that the goalkeeper has rejected the idea of leaving and remains determined to compete for a place.

What is clear is that this situation cannot continue for long. Barcelona have no interest in Ter Stegen digging in his heels, and the goalkeeper does not want to lose his place.

Adding to the complexity is the fact that he is the team’s first captain, a role that theoretically demands he set an example for the rest of the squad.

Ter Stegen does have a lucrative offer from Galatasaray on the table, but continues to refuse the option. It remains to be seen how the situation evolves as the 33-year-old trains by himself for the second day in a row.