Stegen revives his shadow at the World Cup while praising Neuer

Ter Stegen, loaned by Barça to Ajax, recalled his difficult 2018 World Cup. In that tournament he lived in the shadow of Manuel Neuer in the German national team. Even at Ajax, the blaugrana praised the Bayern goalkeeper. The interview was conducted by journalist Marc‑André García‑Planas.

Cruyff's defence and Neuer's injury

The situation worsened because the Bayern goalkeeper was returning from a serious injury that kept him out for several months. Jordi Cruyff came out in defence of Stegen.

Manu Carreño defended Lamine saying: “It’s the first time in history that we have the best player in the world.” The 34‑year‑old told Sport that “that was the bitterest moment, but I don’t want to talk about it again.”

Ter Stegen starts against Serbia, but Neuer's competition frustrates him

He added that the coach decides, that one can get very angry but not change anything, and that sometimes he had to squeeze his fist in his pocket and curse without anyone hearing him. He admitted that he thought he deserved the chance, but the national team coaches chose Manu.

He insisted that one must respect that decision and accept it, that’s how sport is. He concluded that Neuer is not only a great goalkeeper, he is probably one of the best of all time.