"Did I have to put my fist in my pocket? Surely!"

Marc-André ter Stegen missed last summer's World Cup due to injury. The 34-year-old, who moved from FC Barcelona to Ajax Amsterdam in the summer, is now fit again and is number one in the national team under Jürgen Klopp.

Question: Mr ter Stegen, national coach Jürgen Klopp made it clear from the start: you are his number 1. How good did it feel to hear that?

Marc-André ter Stegen: It feels extremely good to feel such trust. This shows me that when I'm fit, I'm an added value for the team. There is also the issue of experience. We haven't had the best phases with the German national team recently. Many people then quickly demand: We have to bring in new players, all the boys have to come in! I think that's basically good and right. But there will also be difficult moments and then experience will be important.

Question: The national team is in transition. Before Klopp's first call, did you ever think that his call might not come at all?

ter Stegen: I was sure that the coach would call at some point once he had organized and sorted everything out. Jürgen Klopp is known for always being open and honest and treating people that way. That's what our conversation was like on his first call. The coach explained to me his basic ideas and his match plan, which suits my style of play very well.

Question: What does Klopp expect from his goalkeeper?

ter Stegen: He wants a clean solution when building up play from the back and that there is a goalkeeper on the pitch who can play along. Especially with the controlled high chain he has, he expects balls behind the chain to be intercepted - if possible. A goalkeeper must hold the ball, but should also be able to provide solutions with the ball and be active in the game. I'm always happy when there's new input. But I was surprised by the first training sessions. Hansi Flick also let the chain play high, but that was different. But I already knew some things from the past. Even though it was a few years ago when we were in contact and talked about his football philosophy.

Question: It is said that you don't watch much football in your free time. Did you still follow the German national team's games at the World Cup?

ter Stegen: It's actually true that I don't watch that much football. Of course I followed our team at the World Cup. Firstly, because they are always my team, regardless of whether I play or not. And if it doesn't work out, as happened recently at the World Cup due to injury, I still suffer. When you go out so early in Germany, it hurts, even if I wasn't there. If you're honest, we've been like this for a long time. You hope that things will be better at the next tournament, and then disappointment follows again. I am convinced that we have so much talent in Germany. We just have to finally show it again. You then sit in front of the TV like any fan and wish you could help.

Question: You were originally slated to be number one for the 2026 World Cup until you got injured again. How much time did you miss during your comeback in the end for your first World Cup as German number 1?

ter Stegen: Before the tournament I had the feeling for a long time that now it was finally time. I really would have given anything to be on the pitch. Then came the injury setbacks, and in the end you stand there and say: I just missed a month. Of course, the insight didn't come straight away, because of course you hope. You then talk again to the person who operated on you and ask: Don't you think it's still possible? In the end, we all have to be honest with ourselves: to be really ready for a World Cup, 90 to 95 percent is not enough. That doesn't make any sense. Without match practice, the decisive final percentage points are missing. In the end, you can't take the risk - not only for your health, but also out of respect for your fellow players.

Question: Without your absence, Manuel Neuer would probably not have returned after his resignation from the DFB. Their duel marked an era. What is it like to be unlucky enough to be born in a time when, out of two great athletes, only one can play the position?

ter Stegen: It's just that Manuel Neuer isn't just a great goalkeeper. We don't have to kid ourselves: he is probably one of the best goalkeepers of all time. He also had a great standing in the national team - and rightly so. But he was also slowed down by injuries. And who knows this better than me, unfortunately for God? However, I believe that a certain level of competition pushes the goalkeeper who plays forward. That's how it was with us. Nevertheless, the question naturally arises: Would I have preferred to play? And the answer is: sure! But the coaches we had with the national team decided on Manu. You have to respect that, I have to accept that. That's just part of the sport. Did I sometimes have to put my fist in my pocket? Did I sometimes have to swear without anyone listening? Surely! There were also moments when I thought that maybe I deserved the chance more.

Question: You are talking about the 2018 World Cup. Neuer was out for a total of almost eight months before the tournament, went to the national team without any match practice and only made his comeback in the World Cup friendly against Austria. You had previously represented him confidently in 13 international matches.

ter Stegen: That was the bitterest moment, but I don't want to bring it up again. It remains the case that the coach (then Jogi Löw; editor) decides. You can get upset as much as you want.

Question: Jonas Urbig, Manuel Neuer's designated successor at Bayern, is currently number two in the national team. Is it true that you two don't really know each other?

ter Stegen: We actually hardly know each other, not at all personally. Even at the last international matches we were in two different squads. I have to admit, I didn't watch much of the Bundesliga. Internationally, I've seen a few excerpts from time to time. I'm definitely excited to get to know Jonas better and see him in action during training.

Question: You won the Confederations Cup in 2017. How important is it to you to finally play your first major tournament with the upcoming European Championships in 2028?

ter Stegen: It's really difficult for me to say. This is what the past has taught me. I don't want to think about what will happen in two years. I'm in a moment where I just want to enjoy it all now. I've found a great club here at Ajax Amsterdam, the team is really great and we're on the verge of achieving our goals. This also applies to the national team. When I'm with the national team, I also want to live 100 percent in the moment. I want to get the most out of myself. So many times in my career I thought: This will happen next season, this will happen at the next tournament. In the end you get an injury and say: Wow, I didn't plan that. I'm German and I always want to plan everything. But I got out of the habit at some point, and I'm doing really well with it right now.

Question: You have been playing for Ajax Amsterdam for over three months. How have you settled in so far? In your previous hometown of Barcelona, ​​you were considered very close to the people and were known for riding around the city on an e-scooter. Did you bring that with you?

ter Stegen: I adapted to Holland and replaced the e-scooter with a bicycle. This is actually the main means of transport here. I drive home from training, but then the journey continues on my bike because that's the easiest way to get anywhere. But I have to say: As a cyclist you have to be extremely careful. It's dangerous if you're not used to it. You always have to keep to the right because the fast lane is on the left and they will drive past you quickly. At first I rode without a helmet. But I recently witnessed a bicycle accident that didn't end well. Since then I have been wearing a helmet, also because it serves as a role model.

Question: Ajax is the number 1 club in Holland and the Johan Cruyff Arena is always sold out. Do you have to cover up when you go into town to avoid being recognized?

ter Stegen: I'm not the type for that. So some people say: “Put on another cap.” But honestly that's not necessary. The Dutch are very cautious in this regard. They say hello a lot or wave and ask how you are doing. But the fact that they want to take a photo because I'm a football player is rather the exception. I have to say: As a blonde, I stood out more in Barcelona, ​​but in Holland I tend to get lost in the crowd.

Question: You are on loan at Ajax Amsterdam for this season, but are under contract with FC Barcelona until 2028. Is the Barça chapter closed for you, or do you think it can be reopened for you under coach Hansi Flick?

ter Stegen: I haven't had any contact with Hansi recently. Unlike with a few guys, you talk to them every now and then and ask how things are going. I have to say, I've been following the results at FC Barcelona a little more often and I also watch the games when they don't have the same time as ours at Ajax. I played in Barcelona for twelve years and of course have a close connection to this club. It's only November now, so I really can't say what will happen in the summer.