Barcelona superstar targeting Champions League success next season: “Want to go far”

Barcelona may have continued to underperform in European competitions under Xavi Hernandez, but their recent triumph in La Liga could go a long way in installing confidence among the team.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen echoed similar sentiments in a recent media interaction, suggesting that Barcelona’s big target for next season is to do well in the Champions League.

“The Champions League is one of Barça’s goals for next season. We always want to go far in that competition,” ter Stegen told Movistar Plus.

The German international believes winning the league title will give the team a good headstart heading into the new season. “We have to have a good start, especially in La Liga and then also in the Champions League,” he added.

Ter Stegen has played a key role behind Barcelona’s triumph in La Liga this season. With 25 clean sheets in 34 matches, he has already broken a few records. Keeping another clean sheet could see him match Francisco Liano’s record of 26 clean sheets in a single season.

However, the German might want to improve on his performance in the Champions League next season. He had failed to keep a single clean sheet in five matches this term. He also failed to manage a shutout in any of the two Europa League matches.

Although the blame should be given to the Barcelona defence for completely falling apart in European matches, there is much hope that can be improved in the coming season, especially with Barça looking to strengthen the core of the team this summer.

The club are particularly looking to sign a new midfielder and a new striker ahead of the new season. They are also looking to sanction the return of Lionel Messi, who could indeed be the missing piece of the jigsaw as Barça look to take the Champions League by storm next season.