Ter Stegen talks Barcelona salary cut, Lewandowski, Araujo, injuries

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has enjoyed a fine start to the 2022/23 campaign so far.

The German international, who has come under fire previously, is going through one of his best phases as a Barça player, having conceded just one goal in six matches in La Liga, recording five clean sheets in the process.

Currently away on international duty, the ex-Borussia Monchengladbach ace also got a run with the German national team due to Manuel Neuer’s injury and he showcased his form against England last night, making a series of top saves, even though the game ended 3-3.

Following the match, ter Stegen spoke to El Larguero, during which he was quizzed about whether Barcelona had asked him to take a salary cut this past summer.

In response, the 30-year-old said: “I think it’s not the right time to talk about that. We are going to need everyone in the best conditions to be able to face what’s coming up until the World Cup.”

Ter Stegen also spoke about the arrival of Robert Lewandowski and how it had impacted the team, saying: “When you have a reference point it changes a lot, for me too. We expect a lot from him and the player started better than everyone expected.”

On his improved form this season, the goalkeeper said: “The summer break was very good for me. It helped me to free myself mentally. I needed it.”

“The saves I made today weren’t bad. We enjoy these matches, we wanted to win but it wasn’t possible,” he added, talking about the game against England.

The international break has been a hard one for Barcelona as four players have sustained injuries and returned to the club. Ronald Araujo will be the player who will be sidelined the most as he will need to undergo surgery following his injury with Uruguay.

Ter Stegen spoke about the defender and said: “I’m sorry for Araujo. I spoke with him this morning.”

He further added that he hoped there were no more injuries before the international break came to an end, saying: “I hope that no other player gets injured now.”