Two members of the first-team ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona have on Thursday moved to throw their backing behind under-fire club captain Marc-André ter Stegen.
The subject of Ter Stegen’s captaincy status has of course dominated the headlines in Catalunya’s capital for several weeks now.
This comes amid the widespread understanding that those in a position of power at Barcelona are giving serious consideration to stripping the German of his armband.
Ter Stegen currently finds himself in something of a precarious situation in Hansi Flick’s squad.
Following the arrival of Joan García this summer, the 33-year-old has been knocked down to third-choice between the posts.
Not only that, but he is facing up to an incoming spell on the sidelines, after undergoing surgery earlier this week.
Owing to as much, as well as behavioural issues, Barcelona, in turn, are said to be considering removing Ter Stegen from the club’s group of captains.
Speaking to the media in the aftermath of the Blaugrana’s meeting with FC Seoul earlier today, the subject of as much was therefore put to two other members of Hansi Flick’s squad.
And both made use of the opportunity to back their teammate.
First, Frenkie de Jong explained:
“For me, Marc is the team’s captain. He has always given his best to the club. I support him a lot, and the team does too.”
And Ferran Torres soon followed suit in adding:
“Ter Stegen, just because of his experience and the years he’s been here, I think he will be captain. I don’t know if there will be votes, we haven’t talked about it, at least I’m not aware.”
Conor Laird – GSFN
