Key figures at Barcelona want club veteran to be stripped of captaincy | OneFootball

According to journalist Santi Ovalle, there are key figures at FC Barcelona who believe it is time for Marc-Andre ter Stegen to be relieved of the captain’s armband.

While the German goalkeeper remains the club’s official first captain for now, his position is increasingly being questioned internally, not due to performance, but due to his diminishing influence and popularity within the dressing room.

Ovalle’s report suggests that several high-ranking Barça executives are in favour of removing the captaincy from Ter Stegen. However, the final decision won’t come from the boardroom.

As has been tradition at the club, it will be the players who decide their leaders, and a vote is expected to take place two weeks before the La Liga season begins, which for Barcelona kicks off on August 16 against Mallorca.

Meanwhile, Hansi Flick, speaking to the media in Seoul ahead of Barça’s second pre-season friendly, made it clear that he will not interfere in this decision.

“The team is always the one who decides the captains, as has been done in the past. Usually two weeks before the start of the season.”

Ter Stegen still resisting exit talks

Marc-Andre ter Stegen may lose his leadership role. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Despite all the noise around his captaincy and the arrival of Joan Garcia, Ter Stegen has shown no signs of wanting to leave the club.

He remains determined to stay at Barcelona and fight for his place, both on the pitch and within the hierarchy of the squad.

Still, it is becoming increasingly clear that not all of his teammates view him as their ideal leader.

While he has been a long-serving figure at the club, the sentiment inside the dressing room will ultimately decide if he continues wearing the armband into the new season.

As the captain vote approaches, all eyes will be on how the squad responds and whether Ter Stegen still commands the respect and trust of the players around him.