Jürgen Klopp Names Marc-André ter Stegen Germany’s New No. 1
Marc-André ter Stegen has been installed as Germany’s clear No. 1 by new head coach Jürgen Klopp, ending years of uncertainty over the national side’s goalkeeping succession after Manuel Neuer’s international retirement.
The decision gives Ter Stegen the role he had long sought while competing with Neuer, whose presence had restricted the Barcelona goalkeeper’s opportunities for much of his international career. Klopp’s first plans place Ter Stegen at the centre of the team he intends to build, with the goalkeeper expected to provide a key part of Germany’s defensive foundation.
The call-up arrives after a difficult period for the 33-year-old. Ter Stegen has left Barcelona for Ajax in pursuit of regular football and has spent much of the past two years dealing with recurring fitness problems and reduced prominence at club level. Speaking after Ajax’s 2-2 draw with Excelsior, he made clear how significant it was to return to the Germany group for the first time in a year.
He said the opportunity meant “a lot” after the challenges of his recovery, explaining that he had continued to work towards showing his best level. Ter Stegen added that representing his country had been a childhood ambition and that the support he has received in Germany carried particular importance following a period in which injuries had prevented him from playing consistently.
Klopp begins assessment of Germany options
Klopp has named an extended 44-player group as he begins to assess the depth available to him, with forthcoming matches against the Netherlands, Greece and Serbia set to offer an early indication of his priorities. Ter Stegen is expected to be given an immediate opportunity to establish himself as Neuer’s long-term successor.
One notable omission from the larger squad was Julian Brandt. Ter Stegen did not criticise Klopp’s selection when asked about the absence of his Ajax team-mate, instead saying Brandt had been performing well and remained important to the club. He added that the head coach would assess all available players and knew where to find the winger.
For Ter Stegen, the next international window represents more than a recall. It is the first chance to turn Klopp’s public backing into a settled position at the top of Germany’s goalkeeping order.
