Latest news with #captaincy
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Sport
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Two Barcelona stars back Marc-André ter Stegen as captain
Two members of the first-team ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona have on Thursday moved to throw their backing behind under-fire club captain Marc-André ter Stegen. The subject of Ter Stegen's captaincy status has of course dominated the headlines in Catalunya's capital for several weeks now. This comes amid the widespread understanding that those in a position of power at Barcelona are giving serious consideration to stripping the German of his armband. Ter Stegen currently finds himself in something of a precarious situation in Hansi Flick's squad. Following the arrival of Joan García this summer, the 33-year-old has been knocked down to third-choice between the posts. Not only that, but he is facing up to an incoming spell on the sidelines, after undergoing surgery earlier this week. Owing to as much, as well as behavioural issues, Barcelona, in turn, are said to be considering removing Ter Stegen from the club's group of captains. Speaking to the media in the aftermath of the Blaugrana's meeting with FC Seoul earlier today, the subject of as much was therefore put to two other members of Hansi Flick's squad. And both made use of the opportunity to back their teammate. First, Frenkie de Jong explained: 'For me, Marc is the team's captain. He has always given his best to the club. I support him a lot, and the team does too.' And Ferran Torres soon followed suit in adding: 'Ter Stegen, just because of his experience and the years he's been here, I think he will be captain. I don't know if there will be votes, we haven't talked about it, at least I'm not aware.' Conor Laird – GSFN
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
De Jong stands in support of Ter Stegen amid Barcelona captaincy doubts – ‘For me, he is the captain'
Following FC Barcelona's 7-3 friendly win over FC Seoul, Frenkie de Jong was one of the players who spoke to the media. The Dutchman, who happens to be one of the team captains, was asked about the situation of veteran star Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The German shot-stopper, currently sidelined with a back injury, is facing the possibility of being removed from club captaincy with Barça unhappy with some of his recent actions. However, when asked about Ter Stegen's role as team captain, De Jong gave a direct and firm response, supporting the 33-year-old shot-stopper. 'For me, Marc is the captain of the team, just as he was last season. Marc is a world-class player and has always given his all to the club, so I support Marc a lot, and from what I know, the team does as well,' he said. Barcelona considering removing Ter Stegen as captain. (Photo by) When asked how the German goalkeeper had reacted to the signing of Joan Garcia, De Jong replied: 'I do not know, you have to ask him.' But De Jong added that the new goalkeeper 'has a lot of quality.' Frenkie de Jong also used the post-match interview to confirm that his contract renewal is near. 'Under normal conditions, there will be a contract extension. I am happy in Barcelona and as far as I know, the club is happy with me,' he stated. Source: Mundo Deportivo
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Barcelona to make a final decision on Marc-Andre ter Stegen's captaincy ater Gamper Trophy
The tension between Marc-Andre ter Stegen and FC Barcelona is at an all-time high. The club was not pleased with the statement the goalkeeper released regarding his injury and subsequent surgery. In his statement, the German claimed he would be out for three months – a timeline that complicates Barça's plans to use 80% of his salary to register Joan Garcia, since La Liga requires a minimum of four months out for it to qualify as a long-term injury. Within the club, there are voices suggesting that Ter Stegen should be stripped of the captaincy for several reasons. First, he will miss the initial part of the season. Second, he will effectively be the third-choice goalkeeper, and some believe it is not ideal for the captain to be someone who is not playing. Moreover, the club feels that his statement did not serve the interests of the team, something they believe is unacceptable from a leader. Captaincy decision after Joan Gamper Trophy However, the matter will not be addressed until the end of the pre-season tour. According to SPORT, Ter Stegen's captaincy will be decided after the Joan Gamper Trophy. Traditionally, captains at Barcelona are selected via a squad vote, but there is speculation that the club may pressure Hansi Flick to intervene and remove the armband from the German goalkeeper directly. Captaincy under threat. (Photo by) Last season, Ter Stegen retained the captaincy despite being injured from September to late May. Upon his return, he expressed clear frustration with the club and insisted on regaining his starting spot – something Flick did not support. The final decision will rest with the German tactician, known for prioritising balance and harmony within the squad, which he considers essential for success. The current captains are Ter Stegen, Frenkie de Jong, Ronald Araujo, Raphinha, and Pedri. The players will also have their say, and it remains to be seen whether the current setup will continue or if a vote will be organised. During the Gamper Trophy match, it is tradition for the captain to address the fans after the match to mark the start of the season. Under normal circumstances, this would be Ter Stegen's role, but due to his injury, it is expected that Araujo, currently the second captain, will fulfil this duty. After that game, a decision will be made regarding whether the German will remain the captain of Barcelona's first team.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Barcelona set date to make key Marc-Andre Ter Stegen decision
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is facing a very uncertain future at Barcelona, although it does appear that he won't leave this summer now that he will be undergoing surgery on a troubling back injury. Ter Stegen announced himself that he will be undergoing surgery, and in the process, he stated that he will be out for three months. This has angered Barcelona officials, who are hoping that the Germany international is out for at least four, given that this would allow them to register Joan Garcia with La Liga. Barcelona officials believe that Ter Stegen deliberately set three months as his return timeline so that the club cannot use 80% of his salary to register a replacement, and it has led to the two parties' relationship deteriorating further. Image viaOn the back of this, there are increased calls within Can Barca for Ter Stegen to be stripped of his position as club captain, and according to Sport, the decision on this will be made just before the start of the 2025-26 La Liga season. Barcelona first team squad to make captaincy decision Traditionally, the captaincy group for the upcoming season is decided via a vote by the first team squad, which takes place after the Joan Gamper Trophy. And the plan is for this to be the case ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. However, club officials within Barcelona are said to be pressuring Hansi Flick to interfere in this process, and thus make a decision before this date. The situation between Barcelona and Ter Stegen will be one to watch as the summer goes on, although it is not expected that the 33-year-old will depart. He has signalled his intention to stay put, and given that he will be out for at least three months, there will be no clubs that want to take a punt on signing him.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Most likely candidate for Spurs captaincy revealed if Son departs
Cristian Romero is emerging as Tottenham's new on-field leader, with the World Cup-winning defender the frontrunner to take over the captaincy if Heung-min Son completes a proposed move to LAFC, report Mail Sport on Friday. Romero's leadership credentials have grown steadily since his arrival in north London, but his partnership with Micky van de Ven during Spurs' impressive Europa League run last season firmly established him as the defensive cornerstone of Thomas Frank's side. Atlético de Madrid made enquiries earlier this summer, but Spurs have held firm, making it clear they would not entertain offers below £60m for the Argentine. With the Spanish club now backing off, Romero looks increasingly likely to play a pivotal role not just in defence, but in the dressing room as well. The 27-year-old has relished responsibility, and the departure of Son – who is expected to finalise his MLS switch after Spurs return from their Asia tour – could see Romero given the armband permanently. Tottenham's defensive structure is beginning to take shape around him. Kevin Danso has joined permanently following a successful loan from Lens, while Radu Drăgușin continues his recovery from a serious knee injury. Ben Davies, though traditionally a centre-back under previous managers, was deployed at left-back by Frank in the recent friendly against Reading. Meanwhile, Luka Vušković's future remains under consideration. The highly rated 18-year-old Croatian, signed for £12million from Hajduk Split at 16, is attracting interest from several Bundesliga clubs after standout loan spells in Poland and Belgium. Vušković impressed on his Spurs debut last weekend, scoring and assisting within eight minutes of a 2-0 win at Reading. However, despite his promising displays, he remains behind Romero, Van de Ven, Danso, and Drăgușin in the pecking order. Frank is understood to be weighing up whether Vušković should go out on loan again, potentially to the Bundesliga, or stay and gain experience in English football. Either way, Romero's status as the defensive leader – and perhaps the next captain – is already shaping the way Spurs manage the future of their young talent. 📸 Justin Setterfield - 2025 Getty Images
