Barcelona star Marc-Andre ter Stegen has hit out at the media, claiming they add fuel to the fire after the German has come under some criticism recently.
Speaking ahead of Barcelona’s UEFA Europa League knockout playoff second leg tie against Napoli (h/t ESPN), Marc-Andre ter Stegen has lashed out at the media amid criticism over some of his recent performances.
The 29-year-old has had a difficult season so far, with his performances between the sticks being largely unconvincing. He was sloppy this past weekend against Valencia, but Barcelona came out unscathed, winning 4-1 riding on the back of a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hat-trick.
Ter Stegen was questioned over his inconsistent displays this season and the resulting speculations over his future beyond the ongoing campaign. In response, the former Borussia Monchengladbach shot-stopper insisted that he was giving his everything to help the team before accusing the media of fanning the flames.
“People always have opinions and know more than the next man, they even know more than me,” he said. “I always try to give everything. If I was [playing] badly or out of form, I would not be on the pitch because I have a responsibility to myself, the team and the club. I am super good, and I feel good [physically]. I am working hard, and, as is the case with the team, the results will come.
?️ Ter Stegen: “People say a lot of things, but they know better than me that if I was bad, I wouldn't be on the field.”
pic.twitter.com/o4BA52wMJs— infosfcb (@infosfcb) February 23, 2022
“Some of you [in the media] have written articles to pour petrol on the fire, because you like doing that, I am sorry, but I know what I am doing well and what I am doing not so well, so I am relaxed,” he added.
The German international admitted that he was aware of things he needed to improve but insisted that he was doing everything to help the team achieve their objectives.
“There are a lot of things I can improve, like everyone, but I am working hard to try and help the team. I don’t give a lot of importance to what I am reading. I know everyone is entitled to their opinion, it is the job, it is football, it is what makes it interesting,” he said.
Ter Stegen has featured 31 times across all competitions this season and has shipped in 41 goals in the process. He has managed to secure just eight clean sheets. He has looked below his best this term, and there have been reports that Barcelona could end up selling him at the end of the season.
