Rudi Voller, sporting director of the German national team, continues to turn up the pressure on Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper is currently the third-choice pick at Barça behind Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny and is unlikely to play much, if at all, in the second half of the season.
Given that he was the No. 1 for the German national team before his injury in the summer, his not playing regularly now puts that position under serious threat ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
As such, Voller has made it clear that for Ter Stegen to hold on to his place as Germany’s starter in goal at the World Cup, he must be playing regularly.
“Ter Stegen has to play. Especially after his injury, and given his injury history, he needs to get match fitness to regain his form. Regardless of his quality,” Voller told Sport1 (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
Ter Stegen started in Barça’s Copa del Rey win in Guadalajara last month, a decision that head coach Hansi Flick had already warned was made specifically for that match and did not necessarily imply continuity.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Barcelona player
Ter Stegen has a decision to make. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
With the winter transfer window now open, there has been growing speculation about the possibility of the 33-year-old German international going out on loan for the second half of the season.
Girona have been mentioned as a potential destination, with positive talks taking place, although no concrete developments have materialised so far.
Meanwhile, Voller spoke very positively about Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann, who has been Germany’s first-choice while Ter Stegen was sidelined with a back injury from which he has now recovered.
“Oliver is doing incredibly well and is 100 per cent reliable,” said the former legendary German striker.
So, Ter Stegen has a decision to make: leave on loan in search of regular minutes and reclaim his place as Germany’s No. 1 at the World Cup or risk his spot by staying at Barcelona.