New criticism of Ter Stegen in Germany: Questioned ownership and captaincy
Published New:26/08/2025 - 03:24h
Updated New:26/08/2025 - 03:32h
Hermann Gerland, a Bayern legend and former Germany U-21 coach, has strongly criticized Marc-André ter Stegen and believes he should be a substitute in the national team.
Marc-André ter Stegen is recovering from his operation in the lumbar region, which is why he will be inactive until January. This has opened the debate about who can be the starting goalkeeper for the German national team in the next World Cup. Hermann Gerland, former coach and Bayern legend, has made his position clear on 'Matts', whom he does not see as the main goalkeeper.
The goalkeeper born in Monchengladbach only played 8 games last season with FC Barcelona. In his absence, Wojciech Szczęsny and Iñaki Peña took on the responsibility of guarding the goal.
The German goalkeeper knows that he needs to have a competitive rhythm to be able to reach the World Cup. His withdrawal due to a long-term injury, after signing the medical report to send it to LaLiga, allowed the registration of Joan García, who is expected to be the '1' this season and the Polish player his replacement. A loan of Ter Stegen in January could be beneficial for both Barça and the player himself.
Hermann Gerland prefers Neuer over Ter Stegen
Despite the fact that Manuel Neuer announced his retirement from the German national team last summer, Hermann Gerland insists that the Bayern goalkeeper is the one who should start in the 2026 World Cup, above Ter Stegen. ""If Germany wants to win something, what they have to do is put Neuer in,"" he asserted in 'ZDF-sportstudio'.
Gerland was Hansi Flick's assistant during his time at Bayern, so he knows the goalkeeper of the Bavarian team well.
"Manuel Neuer will play for a few more years. And if Germany wants to achieve something, Julian Nagelsmann has to line up the best. And that is Manuel Neuer."
Hermann Gerland only had praise for Hansi Flick
Hermann Gerland and Hansi Flick have a very good relationship, as they worked together both at Bayern and in the German national team. The Bochum native has only had words of praise for Flick, whom he describes as a good person and a great professional.
"Hansi was a star, both professionally and personally. He treated people wonderfully. He spoke to everyone separately and explained to them, if they didn't play, why. And he was and is accommodating. And professionally he is at the highest level."
Flick invited Gerland and his wife to attend a Barça match and visit the facilities of the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, but the 71-year-old former coach joked about it, saying that he could pay for the trip to Barcelona, since "after 55 years on the benches I have saved a little".
