Germany’s new first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Steven has revealed, while speaking at a press conference, that he sometimes got frustrated while waiting for his opportunity with the German national team, Soccernet.football reports.
Ter Stegen made his debut for Germany in 2012 and since then, he has yet to make any appearance at a major international tournament, managing just 40 appearances in over a decade with Die Mannschaft.
Speaking at his first press conference as Germany’s number one, the 32-year-old shared his thoughts on his long wait for the opportunity;
“Of course it was a different feeling to arrive here. Apart from three or four positions, the group hasn’t changed that much. I’m looking forward to the new tasks and of course I want to be successful.
“I’m happy about all the kind words that my colleagues and the coach have said to me. That’s balm for the soul. My aim has always been to be number one. Unfortunately, I haven’t managed that over the last decade.
“With Manuel Neuer, I had someone in front of me who had a great career and who managed to withstand the pressure. Congratulations again to him for everything he has achieved – with the national team and at club level.”
Regarding the moments when Neuer was consistently picked over him despite enjoying better form at club level, ter Stegen said;
“There are always moments and situations where you think that it won’t work out. In recent years, there have always been close decisions that usually went in Manuel Neuer’s direction.
“I think I handled it professionally, but of course it was often very disappointing. It’s a path that you have to take and that you have to accept.
“There have been many discussions in recent years, and I was sometimes frustrated. But I never let myself get down, and my teammates felt that too.”