Ter Stegen opens up on disappointment of being behind Neuer for Euros
While Manuel Neuer was sidelined with a broken leg, Marc-André ter Stegen was the starting goalkeeper for Germany.
However, after watching Neuer return to full fitness, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has opted for the 38-year-old Bayern veteran over ter Stegen as his starting goalkeeper for the Euros.
In an interview with Bild, ter Stegen expressed his disappointment at the decision.
"It is not easy to find yourself in a situation that you had hoped would be different. You have to accept and respect the coach's decision, even if I don't agree with it. I try to be at the best level to show my performance," said ter Stegen.
Asked if this was the toughest decision he's had to accept in his career so far, the FC Barcelona goalkeeper replied:
"For sure. It's an important event. I would have loved to have played, I make no secret of that. I think I had a lot of arguments in my favor. So it wasn't an easy decision for the coach. But I have to accept it.
At the age of 32, ter Stegen has yet to represent Germany at a major tournament, but with Neuer six years older, he could finally get his chance at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
"It's still a bit far away. You don't know what's going to happen in football. I want to give my best in all situations over the next two years. I want to leave no doubt that I am in top form.
