Lothar Matthaus supports the position of Barcelona amid the club’s conflict with their captain | OneFootball

Despite having an excellent 2024-25 season, FC Barcelona are still working to reinforce their team for the upcoming season this summer. The Catalans have already added a new player to their squad, the goalkeeper Joan Garcia, and are now working to strengthen their forward line.

The Spanish shot-stopper is expected to be the new starting goalkeeper for the Blaugrana team next season, while the Pole Wojciech Szczesny, who recently extended his contract, is going to be his backup.

This situation leaves the previous starting goalie, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, in a very delicate situation, as he would practically not play next season with his third position in the pecking order. Barcelona are trying to offload the captain, but the German has made it clear that he intends to stay and fight for his position.

Lothar Matthaus advises Ter Stegen to leave Barcelona

In such a scenario, one of the most notable compatriots of the goalkeeper, the former German midfielder Lothar Matthaus, supported the Blaugranes’ position as he appeared in a recent interview.

As SPORT has reported, the 1990 Ballon d’Or winner highlighted how important it is for his compatriot to leave Barcelona:

“Ter Stegen will no longer play for Barcelona. He has to be consistent to fulfill his dream of playing in the World Cup.”

While showing some sympathy, Matthaus was also quite clear about what course of action Ter Stegen should take:

“I understand Ter Stegen. He has played well, has been captain, and has his private life in Barcelona… He has to accept that the club has other ideas, other plans. These are decisions that must be accepted. There’s no need to complain, and if he wants to play in the World Cup, he has to leave.”

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. [Photo Courtesy: The official website of FC Barcelona]

The German legend recommends the goalkeeper to Manchester City

The German legend highlighted how the Blaugrana captain is still a top player:

“Ter Stegen has returned in good form after a long injury and has proven, especially in the Nations League against France, that he is still a world-class goalkeeper at 33 years old.”

He also recommended Manchester City to make the bet on Ter Stegen:

“I don’t know what Manchester City is planning, but I don’t think they’re very happy with Ederson. I believe Ter Stegen could definitely be their goalkeeper for the next three or four years.”

For now, it remains to be seen how Ter Stegen’s future unfolds. However, Lothar Matthuas has given him some very sound advice, and the German goalie should heed his words while deciding his future course of action.