Ter Stegen: 'An El Clásico is always an El Clásico'

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland — When Marc ter Stegen speaks, people listen. Ahead of the New York Clásico, the Barça goalkeeper addressed the media at the team hotel here in the Maryland capital. "An El Clásico is always an El Clásico. It's an extremely important game, probably the highlight of the tour that generates the most attention. I expect an intense match, and it's a game we want to win," said the German.

The team is in the middle of the preseason and has gone through several intense training sessions. Ter Stegen, who joined the squad at the start of the U.S. tour, has had less work. "The physical aspect is one of the biggest changes we'll see. We're training very hard so we can be superior to any opponent," he explained.

Asked about Hansi Flick's coaching methods, ter Stegen elaborated: "Hansi wants us to push hard, for everyone to stay focused and maintain a physical level that allows us to play three or four games in a row without much rest." He also mentioned the emphasis on defense, a key focus at this stage. "We're trying to adapt quickly to the new defensive philosophy. He has a different approach," Ter Stegen said, giving special mention to Heiko Westermann, who is working on the defensive area.

The goalkeeper, who did not see minutes for Germany in this summer's UEFA Euro, described the upcoming season as "very special," given that FC Barcelona will be returning to Spotify Camp Nou. However, the immediate priority is clear: "We need to play well before we move and bring this excitement to Spotify Camp Nou as well."

Ter Stegen also praised the rising star Lamine Yamal, a standout at Euro 2024, who has yet to join the preseason. "Lamine is a player who has just started and has already won a major title. I hope he has the hunger to compete for more titles, because he is at a spectacular level. I hope he continues to improve, keeps his feet on the ground, and makes the most of the many years ahead of him," he said.