Marc-André ter Stegen was the one to lift the Supercopa de España trophy in Jeddah, after the historic thrashing of the team led by Hansi Flick against Real Madrid (2-5). The team had a brutal gesture with the 32-year-old goalkeeper, who missed the entire season due to a torn ligament. Raphinha started the match as captain but handed the armband to Ronald Araujo after his entry in the 28th minute. Finally, the German honored by lifting Barça's fifteenth Supercup.
After the match, the Mönchengladbach native thanked the locker room for their solidarity. "It is an honor to lift it on behalf of everyone. In the end, I was the one responsible, but they made the effort. Today, anyone from the locker room could have lifted the cup," commented the '1' to 'Movistar+'. Additionally, the German praised his teammates in goal, dismissing the debate over the starting position.
"Both Iñaki and Szczesny have healthy competition, much respect and that is what I ask of them, also with Ander (Astralaga)," added Marc-André. For the Alicante native, the Supercup final was a 'breath' regarding the debate over the starting position. Szczesny's expulsion, although it did not weigh on the final result, did affect the team's performance in the last half hour of the match, where Iñaki prevented Madrid from reducing the score with a couple of notable interventions.
Ter Stegen, positive about the future of Olmo and Pau Víctor
On the other hand, Ter Stegen assured that he is working hard to return from the injury, although it is a long recovery. "I see a little light at the end of the tunnel; I have people around me who help me day by day." Additionally, the azulgrana captain spoke about his perception of the 'soap opera' regarding the registrations of Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor.
"These were issues that needed to be resolved and we have full confidence in everything they are doing (the board). There is uncertainty, but in the end, no one has to suffer... They managed it and I am glad that everything is resolved on the part of the club, Dani, and Pau," Marc-André pointed out. The German hopes to be ready to return in the summer, although his participation in Barça's next preseason tour is not guaranteed.