Ter Stegen feels at home in Amsterdam ahead of clash with the Netherlands

Marc ter Stegen, the 34‑year‑old goalkeeper of Ajax, stands radiant in Amsterdam and celebrates his return to the German squad, Die Mannschaft, just before the international match against the Netherlands in the Johan Cruyff Arena. He says this during the press conference preceding the match, in which he expresses his enthusiasm.

Ter Stegen's ambition for the coming weeks

During the press conference ahead of the duel with the Netherlands, Ter Stegen said: “I want to show the maximum in the coming weeks and months to achieve my peak performances.” He appeared eager and determined to prove his form.

Ter Stegen admitted that he needed matches to get back into shape. “Is everything always perfect? Probably not. But I am now at a very good level and I also know where I want to be,” he said. He emphasized that there are still areas to improve.

Reasons for absence and Klopp's role

Jürgen Klopp sat next to Ter Stegen during the press gathering and addressed the journalists present. Before Klopp’s arrival, Ter Stegen was no longer part of the German squad, a result of injury woes and the presence of Manuel Neuer as the regular first choice.

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Ter Stegen praised the legendary goalkeeper: “He is a legend of German football, I have the utmost respect for him.” With this he underscored the challenge of taking over Neuer’s spot.

He also mentioned the young Ajax‑loanee Jonas Urbig, who has not yet experienced maximum pressure. “He is still very young and a great goalkeeper. But he and Manu have developed into a great duo. He can look up to Manu, which is very important for Jonas,” Ter Stegen added.

Ter Stegen expressed his pride to be back on the pitch, both with Ajax and in the national team. “This is a wonderful moment in my life, I enjoy it one hundred percent. The most important thing is that my family is healthy, then you have all the possibilities,” he said.

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He concluded that he has found a new home in Amsterdam. “It just feels good that I can play again and show my performances,” Ter Stegen said, referring to the Johan Cruyff Arena as his familiar ground.