Only three goalkeepers have defended Barcelona's goal in 400 games. And all three are related. It was precisely Zubizarreta (410), in his role as sports director, who signed Ter Stegen (400) in 2014 to replace Víctor Valdés (535). “I hope there will be many more games. Let's see what will happen in the future. “I am proud to have worn the shirt so many times,” he reflected. This Tuesday he also turns 100 in his career in European competition.
There is more because these three are the only goalkeepers who have lifted the Champions League. Zubi in 1992, Valdés in 2006, 2009 and 2011 and the German in 2015. But since then, Barça has not come close to a European final. “I always stay with trying again and that one day it will come,” he predicted.
In his opinion, it has been details that have prevented the Blaugrana from being in a position to fight for another European Cup, such as the comeback suffered in Liverpool in 2019. “In the end we are always very close and due to our own mistakes we did not reach the goal again. another final. That is why tomorrow is more important than thinking further ahead,” he said, focusing on the duel against Naples.
The German, after 10 seasons at the club, is a heavyweight. In fact he is already the second captain. And it could not be clearer about the departure of Xavi Hernández on June 30. “Unfortunately for me, Xavi is leaving. He announced it and it made me feel bad because the players are responsible for what happens. “He is a great coach who has brought us back to the top after he cost us a lot,” he praised him.
The goalkeeper and the coach were teammates in the 14-15 season, the German's first at Barça. “It is difficult to accept his departure, as a player and friend. He told us that this does not stop, that we must always give our best and he is working very well so that we can compete every 4 days,” he revealed.
Looking ahead to the return against the Neapolitans, Ter Stegen, who has not conceded a goal in the last three games, believes it is important to put the finishing touches on it. He has arrived on time since this improvement coincides with his recovery after having to have back surgery. “I want to help, to make it known that I am there,” he says on a personal level. “In the end what we always want is to keep a clean sheet. So at any moment you can make a difference and make a difference. “We are doing better now,” he acknowledged the good defensive work.
Christensen's new position as defensive pivot and the emergence of Pau Cubarsí intervene in this balance. “He is in spectacular shape and we have to take advantage of him,” he says about the 17-year-old centre-back. Ter Stegen does not see youth as a problem. “On the one hand, there is the footballer, who at his age is doing a spectacular job. As a person he is very accessible, he is always open to work and improve. He is at the beginning of his career, imagine how much he can improve. It is time for him to accumulate minutes,” he recommended.
Ter Stegen spoke of excitement and joy at being able to compete but prefers not to talk about favoritism. “Due to the circumstances and because we have lost important players, I think he is quite even,” he analyzed.
The goalkeeper is one of the three members of the current squad who knows first-hand Hansi Flick, one of the coaches most rumored to be on the Barça bench next season. “It is not a good time after talking about Xavi. Flick is a great person, who those of us who were in the national team value a lot. It's not the moment. Tomorrow we play the most important game of the season,” he apologized.
