"He should accept the season is over for him" - Matthaus’ advice to Ter Stegen

Lothar Matthaus spoke to 'Sky Sports' offering his advice to compatriot Ter Stegen following his major injury, which will keep him out for the rest of the season. The goalkeeper has undergone his surgery and is now expected on the sidelines for 8-9 months. 

“I almost burst into tears when I saw the images of Marc-Andre ter Stegen last night,” Matthaus began. “He had to be behind Manuel Neuer in Germany’s goal for many years. When the door of the World Cup is open and he is the number one of the national team [he faces this setback]. It’s brutal."

Despite recognising the blow for the Barca player, Matthaus insists that Ter Stegen can rediscover his form, but only under certain conditions. The former defender said: "I am convinced that, driven by his sporting ambition, he will find the way to recover his old form. But he should quickly say and accept that the season is over for him and that he will return until next year and, for the rest, say as little as possible about it".

Although Matthaus extends full support to Ter Stegen,he advices the keeper to not feed into self-pity, as injuries are a part of the sport. “It hurts and makes me bitter, but I still don’t know if pity is appropriate and feeding it doesn’t make sense. A professional soccer player has to deal with these things and injuries are part of it,” he concluded. 

 

September 23, 2024