Xavi welcomes ter Stegen after Nations League return in Germany

Marc ter Stegen made his return on Thursday in the Nations‑League duel against the Netherlands and kept the German goal clean, but could not stop the volley from Cody Gakpo in injury time. After the match he met Xavi, the new national team coach of the Netherlands, for a warm reunion.

Return and match flow

The Ajax goalkeeper returned to the starting line‑up after a draw at the Johan Cruijff Arena, after which he defended the German net in the Nations‑League duel with the Netherlands. Despite the clean sheet he faced a dangerous volley from Cody Gakpo in injury time, which he could not deflect.

Conversation between former teammates

After the match ter Stegen spoke with Xavi, his former teammate and later coach at Barcelona, in an interview for . He praised the relationship: “I have a very good relationship with him”. Xavi replied: “What a great performance, Ter!”.

Ter Stegen joked about almost losing the match: “Because of you we almost lost the match”, to which Xavi laughed and said: “It has been a long time, boss. It feels good to see you again”.

Xavi celebrates warm reunion with former teammate Ter Stegen after Netherlands‑Germany duel

The German goalkeeper called Xavi a “warrior” and praised his comeback: “I am very happy to see how you have fought back. You are indeed a warrior”.

Ter Stegen, who has not played an international match for more than a year due to injury, emphasized his respect for Xavi: “Xavi is a nice person and it has been a privilege for me to play at Barcelona with and under him”.

Xavi later said at the press conference that he told ter Stegen about the rapid changes in football, but that he admires the quality and mentality of the keeper. He added that the loss of the captain armband does not diminish Ter Stegen performances.