Ter Stegen 'nervous' about Girona switch after years at Barça
The German keeper admits to feeling anxious about meeting new teammates at Girona following his loan move from Barcelona, as he looks to secure World Cup playing time.
Barcelona’s long-serving goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen has confessed to feeling a touch of the collywobbles upon arriving at Girona, where he’ll spend the remainder of the season on loan.
From Barça bench to Girona’s number one
The German shot-stopper, who’s found himself playing second fiddle to Joan García under Hansi Flick at Barcelona, has wasted no time getting acquainted with his new surroundings at Montilivi. Girona released footage of his arrival at the training ground, capturing his first interactions with manager Míchel Sánchez.
Ter Stegen, with 423 appearances for Barcelona under his belt, admitted to feeling “a bit nervous about meeting everyone after so many years” at the Catalan giants. It’s hardly surprising - after becoming part of the furniture at Camp Nou, starting fresh at 31 would give anyone the jitters.
Míchel’s warm welcome
The Girona gaffer couldn’t hide his delight at landing a keeper of Ter Stegen’s calibre, telling him he was “very happy” with his arrival. Míchel praised the German as “a leader” who will provide enormous help to the squad as they look to build on their current momentum.
Girona have been on a proper tear recently, stringing together three consecutive victories that have propelled them to 11th in the La Liga table. Adding a goalkeeper of Ter Stegen’s quality could be just what the doctor ordered to continue their upward trajectory.
World Cup ambitions
For Ter Stegen, this move isn’t just about getting regular minutes - it’s about securing his place between the sticks for Germany at next summer’s World Cup. Warming the bench at Barcelona wasn’t doing his international prospects any favours.
The German could make his Girona debut as soon as Monday when they host Getafe at Montilivi. After years of being a Barcelona stalwart, seeing him in Girona’s red and white will take some getting used to for La Liga followers.