Just in: Ter Stegen to deliver captain’s speech for Barcelona at Joan Gamper Trophy | OneFootball

Marc-Andre ter Stegen is set to take centre stage at the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Como, delivering the captain’s speech just days after a dramatic dispute with Barcelona.

According to SPORT, the presentation of the squad will take place one hour before kick-off, with the German goalkeeper expected to address the fans in what will be a high-profile and highly anticipated moment.

The tension between Ter Stegen and the club reached its peak when he refused to sign the medical report that Barcelona needed to send to LaLiga for review by its Medical Committee.

This report would have determined whether his injury was long-term. In response, the club opened disciplinary proceedings and, by Thursday, had taken the drastic step of stripping him of the captaincy.

However, on Friday, the situation took another dramatic turn. Following a personal visit from club president Joan Laporta, Ter Stegen reversed his stance.

Barcelona responded by restoring his captaincy and closing the disciplinary file. With tensions eased, the club was able to send the medical report to LaLiga on Saturday, expecting a decision early next week.

Speech aimed at reconciliation with Barcelona fans

Marc Andre Ter Stegen will deliver the captain’s speech. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

As captain once more, Ter Stegen is now expected to stand alongside coach Hansi Flick and address the supporters, much like he did last year.

Tclub has described the upcoming speech as an opportunity for reconciliation, following the public statement the goalkeeper released on Friday via social media.

Some within the club have offered to help guide him on what to say, but as of now, Ter Stegen has not confirmed whether he will take their advice or deliver a speech entirely in his own words. What is certain, however, is that he will speak.

All eyes will also be on the fans inside the Johan Cruyff Stadium.

However, it is to be noted that in recent days, a large section of Barcelona’s supporters had turned against Ter Stegen due to the dispute.

His words, and the reaction they draw, could prove crucial in repairing his relationship with the fanbase ahead of the new season.