Ajax Amsterdam manager Michel defended goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen following fan backlash over a stagnant build-up during a 1-1 Eredivisie draw against NEC Nijmegen at the Johan Cruyff Arena, where an inquiring journalist compared the German’s stationary positioning on the ball to a wax figure at Madame Tussauds.
Fan Backlash and the Madame Tussauds Comparison
The incident occurred during the home match against NEC Nijmegen when supporters in the stands grew restless over a slow sequence of play. At one point, ter Stegen held possession for an extended period without releasing the ball, prompting loud whistles from the home crowd.
During the post-match press conference, a reporter questioned the manager about the sluggish build-up. The journalist framed the query around the specific sequence: “Your goalkeeper stood there for a long time with the ball at his feet and didn’t move. At some point, it felt like being in a museum in this city—Madame Tussauds.”
🚨🇩🇪 JUST IN: Ajax would like to sign Marc-André Ter Stegen, who holds a good relationship with current Ajax head coach Míchel.Ter Stegen is allowed to leave FC Barcelona as he is not part of the plans of FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick. The German goalkeeper has a contract in… pic.twitter.com/tXoZpemQMX
Michel rejected the premise of the comparison immediately. “I do not agree that he is a statue,” the Spanish coach stated, explaining the tactical necessity behind the play. “Basically, I do believe that in some situations we should let the ball run more. In that scene, ter Stegen had to keep the ball short to provoke movements from the opponent.”
The manager acknowledged the stadium’s reaction, noting that playing out from the back as a free man presents unique challenges. “It is quite difficult to create such situations,” Michel said. “And of course, I also noticed that the public got nervous about it. We have to solve these situations differently.”
Match Context and Eredivisie Standings
The controversy unfolded against the backdrop of a frustrating league result for Amsterdam. Ajax took an early lead in the 7th minute through Tolu Arokodare, but NEC Nijmegen equalized in the 19th minute via a penalty converted by Tjaronn Chery.
Despite generating 15 shots against a stubborn defensive setup, Ajax failed to find a winner. The draw leaves the club in fifth place in the Eredivisie table, five points behind new league leaders Feyenoord.
Ter Stegen Season Form and International Status
Ter Stegen joined Ajax during the summer transfer window on a season-long loan from Spanish giants FC Barcelona. His early months in Amsterdam have yielded mixed performances across nine official appearances, during which he has conceded 14 goals and kept two clean sheets.
Despite the club-level scrutiny, Germany national team head coach Jürgen Klopp designated ter Stegen as the preliminary number one for the national side. The goalkeeper started Germany’s opening fixture of the recent international break, which ironically took place in Amsterdam against the Netherlands and ended in a 1-1 draw.
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