Barcelona captain ‘feels bad’ about former teammate’s situation after contract expiry

After a 2-2 draw with Manchester City, all eyes will be on Barcelona’s upcoming friendly against arch-rivals Real Madrid, which will be hosted in New Jersey.

Speaking ahead of the game, senior player and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen spoke to the media about various different topics, including the future of Sergi Roberto as well as his lack of participation in Euro 2024.

Ter Stegen on Roberto, Yamal & new captain

Marc-Andre ter Stegen touched upon the future of former teammate Sergi Roberto, who is currently a free agent.

Earlier in the summer, Roberto was destined to sign a new contract at Barça. But things have changed under Flick, who recently refused to label him a Barcelona player.

“Sergi Roberto’s situation, as a friend, I feel bad that he is without a team. The window is long and we will see how everything is resolved, I hope everything goes well,” ter Stegen said.

Talking about another teammate Lamine Yamal, the goalkeeper said, “Lamine is a player who has just started and has already won a super important title that he will never forget. I hope there are many more, he is at a spectacular level and I hope he improves even more.”

Ter Stegen also offered his thoughts on Barcelona’s potential fourth captain – a spot vacant following the departure of Sergi Roberto.

Amid reports suggesting either Pedri or Robert Lewandowski to occupy the role, ter Stegen said, “Surely the team will decide who the new captains are. It’s a topic that I suppose will be discussed in two weeks.”

Ter Stegen on Euro 2024

Ter Stegen was formally a part of the German team for Euro 2024, but he did not feature in a single game, falling behind Manuel Neuer in the pecking order.

When asked about his lack of participation, the former Gladbach ‘keeper stated, “On a personal level I wanted to play in the Euros but in the end, the coach decided for Manu. At the group level, we lost against the team that was better at that time and I have congratulated all my teammates for the title.”

Ter Stegen was Germany’s number two in Euro 2024 (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR/AFP via Getty Images)

Ter Stegen was also asked about Marc Cucurella’s controversial handball when Spain faced Germany in the quarterfinals.

Referring to the incident, the goalkeeper said, “We will never know if Cucurella’s handball was a penalty, it is very difficult to make decisions in seconds and they do their best to always make it fair.”

Ter Stegen on the season ahead & playing under Flick

Ter Stegen moved on to discuss Barcelona’s preparation for the season ahead and the journey so far under new coach Hansi Flick.

“We are trying to adapt as quickly as possible to Hansi’s philosophy and play and defend how they want.

“I am always attentive to getting the message to all the players and getting the feedback to Hansi. At the moment it seems like they understand everything, even those who speak less English,” he said.

“Hansi has a way of working on the physical issue and ensuring that everyone is at the level that allows us to play several games in a row throughout the season, which will be very key,” he added.

On playing for the badge, the goalkeeper added, “Playing for Barça and defending this badge deserves that we give our best. We had 3 points less than the previous season when we won the league. We always want to be at 100% and this year the same, we have a good team.”

The German international went on to offer his thoughts on the season ahead and the prospects of returning to Camp Nou.

“I am very excited to face this season, I really want to face the complicated games that I am sure there will be. It will be very special because we return to the Camp Nou, it makes us all very happy,” he said.

“The fans really want to return to Camp Nou, but they know that we also need them at Montjuïc to be able to compete at any time of the season,” the goalkeeper added.

Source: Jijantes