Ter Stegen Seeks Constructive Resolution with Barcelona
Marc-André ter Stegen is eager to "resolve the situation constructively" with Barcelona after being stripped of the club captaincy due to disciplinary issues.
The conflict involving the German goalkeeper arises from his recovery following back surgery in July.
Reports suggest that if the 33-year-old is classified as a long-term absentee, Barcelona could save up to 80% of his wages until mid-season, which would free up resources to register new players.
However, Ter Stegen recently stated on social media that he would be sidelined for three months, while La Liga regulations require a player to be out for at least four months to qualify as a long-term absentee.
Additionally, he has reportedly been reluctant to allow the club to share his medical information with La Liga.
In a recent social media update, Ter Stegen expressed his willingness to collaborate with the club's management to address the issue and provide the necessary authorization.
He also described the notion that his injury absence is being leveraged by Barcelona to facilitate the registration of new players as "both unfair and inaccurate."
"I would like to clarify that all of the club's signings and contract renewals were finalized before my surgery," he stated. "At no point did I think that my unfortunate circumstances surrounding the surgery would be necessary for the registration of other colleagues, whom I greatly respect and look forward to sharing the locker room with for many seasons."
Ter Stegen acknowledged that challenging times can create tension but expressed his belief that through dialogue and responsibility, the situation can be resolved positively.
This summer, La Liga champions Barcelona have brought in several new players, including goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol and England striker Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United.
Since joining Barcelona from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2014, Ter Stegen has made over 400 appearances for the club, winning the Champions League and six La Liga titles.
Flick Banned for Champions League Opener
Manager Hansi Flick will miss Barcelona's first Champions League match of the season following a sanction from UEFA for misconduct.
The German manager has received a one-match ban and a fine of £17,000 from the European governing body's disciplinary committee.
Flick was critical of several refereeing decisions during Barcelona's 4-3 defeat to Inter Milan in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final in May, resulting in the club losing 7-6 on aggregate.
His assistant, Marcus Sorg, has also been given the same punishment.
The opening round of the Champions League is scheduled to take place from September 16 to 18.
Flick, who was appointed as Barcelona's manager in June 2024, enjoyed a successful first season, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
In a separate ruling, Barcelona forwards Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski have each been fined £4,300 for not complying with instructions from an anti-doping officer and failing to report immediately to a control post during the same match.