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Uli Hoeness slams Barcelona’s Ter Stegen over comments

By Ernesto Hernandez

Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (R) and Germany's goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen take part in a training session on the eve of the friendly football match Germany v Serbia in Wolfsburg on March 19, 2019. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP) (Photo credit should read TOBIAS SCHWARZ/AFP/Getty Images)
Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (R) and Germany's goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen take part in a training session on the eve of the friendly football match Germany v Serbia in Wolfsburg on March 19, 2019. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP) (Photo credit should read TOBIAS SCHWARZ/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Uli Hoeness has given his thoughts over the mini-feud involving Barcelona’s Ter Stegen and Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen is the unquestioned starting goalkeeper for Barcelona and has enjoyed plenty of success. Unfortunately for him, that success has not translated over to the German national team.

Following the recent international break, he spoke after not playing a single minute for Germany as Low opted for Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer.

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According to the BBC, he said, “It’s not easy to find an explanation for what I am experiencing. I am still trying everything, but this trip with Germany was a tough blow for me.”

Neuer responded by saying that those types of comments were not constructive to the national team and that there are other keepers on the bench who would also like the chance to play. He also said that they are a team and have to stick together.

Ter Stegen responded to those comments saying that Neuer’s comments were “inappropriate” and that he has feelings and is allowed to express them without Neuer or anyone else trying to assess them.

He also wished to move on in an attempt to quell the controversy.

But here comes Uli Hoeness to stir the flames some more.

According to Sport, Hoeness said, “I believe it’s a joke. Ter Stegen doesn’t have a right to play there. It’s different in goal compared to the outfield positions. Manuel Neuer is number one and has been the best keeper in the world for many years now. No one could argue he shouldn’t be number one.”

He also went on to criticize the manager and the FA stating that they should be doing a better job of keeping “ambitious players” quiet so as not to be a distraction for the national team.

Hoeness may simply be sticking up for his keeper but it may also be an attempt to deflect the blame from his player for Germany’s struggles dating back to the last World Cup.

Bayern Munich has long been the spine of the German National Team and a lot of those players could be blamed for the team’s shocking group stage exit last year in Russia. Also, it’s not like Hoeness hasn’t done this before as he also piped up during the controversy involving Mezut Ozil and his criticism of the national team.

At the end of the day, anyone can understand the frustration Ter Stegen must be feeling. Neuer was out injured the whole season leading up to the World Cup and yet he was named the starter despite Ter Stegen having another good season with Barcelona.

If a half-fit Neuer was chosen over him, in his mind, that meant that he is unlikely to ever get an opportunity. As far as the claims of Neuer being the best goalie in the world, those claims can be disputed given his performances since coming back from injury.

Next. Barcelona can unleash the combination of Suárez and Griezmann against Dortmund. dark

For now, all Ter Stegen can do is continue his good run of form at Barcelona and hope that it winds up counting for something. His performance with Barcelona against Borussia Dortmund definitely opened more eyes in Germany.