Ter Stegen: Return for Girona Match Confirmed

The getting-to-know-you phase is still in full swing for the famous newcomer to FC Girona. Marc-André ter Stegen has already received the list of punishments from his new team and the German national goalkeeper is ready for his first appearance. “I will prepare as if I were going to play, but the decision is up to the coach,” emphasizes the club’s new star. FC Girona plays its home games just around 100 kilometers from Ter Stegen’s long-time football home FC Barcelona – in a stadium with space for almost 15,000 fans.

This Monday against Getafe FC could be Ter Stegen’s debut in FC Girona’s uniform and also the next step on the way to being number one at the World Cup finals this summer. The former Bundesliga keeper is on loan until the end of the season. “When we started the discussions, we didn’t know whether this would be a real option,” he admitted in a club interview: “But ultimately everyone involved is satisfied. I’m very happy to be here.”

Against relegation instead of for titles

At Barça, under compatriot Hansi Flick as coach, he no longer had a chance of a regular place in the fight for titles and trophies. Nevertheless, saying goodbye was very hard, reported ter Stegen. His temporary new employer is now heading against relegation.

“My own experience helps me,” said the now 33-year-old about dealing with the pressure: “In Mönchengladbach we had a much more difficult situation than in Girona. The goal is the same everywhere: to win.” His new team is five points ahead of a relegation zone.

It is still difficult for him to remember all the names, said ter Stegen at his presentation in Girona. After all: Captain Cristhian Stuani has already handed out the list of punishments to his new teammate. “Thank you, Stuani,” said ter Stegen. He appeared relaxed and in a good mood, but instead of the FC Barcelona emblem, his white polo shirt bore the FC Girona badge. In 2014, ter Stegen moved from Borussia to FC Barcelona and made it to captain.

Verbal one-two with the trainer

“You are a leader, you will give us a lot,” coach Míchel had said the day before when welcoming ter Stegen. “I like this project and trust the coach,” said the goalkeeper in the press conference.

Ter Stegen himself learned the hard way what the underdog from the city almost 100 kilometers from Barcelona is capable of. In Girona’s famous 2023/2024 season, the outsider, whose co-owner is Pep Guardiola’s brother Pere, defeated the great FC Barcelona twice 4-2. In the second leg, Ter Stegen was in goal for Barça. At times, the newcomer from 2022 even led the Primera División table and ended up sensationally third.

This season, Girona lost 1-2 in Barcelona in mid-October. Ter Stegen was still missing at the time due to a serious knee injury that had kept him sidelined for months. The second leg takes place on February 15th in the tranquil Estadi Municipal de Montilivi. With ter Stegen in the goal – but in that of FC Girona.