Former Spain goalkeeper Santiago Canizares says Marc-Andre ter Stegen should be stripped of the Barcelona captaincy as the row over the player’s medical status rumbles on.
Barca boss Hansi Flick is set to meet with the club’s board of directors today to discuss Ter Stegen’s position as one of the first-team’s leaders following the German’s refusal to sign a consent form that would allow the club to share his medical report with La Liga.
Barca claim Ter Stegen’s recent back surgery will keep him out for four months – a timeframe that would mean he is classed as a long-term injury by La Liga and enable the club to free up salary space to register new signing Joan Garcia. Ter Stegen, however, believes he will be sidelined for three months.
Ter Stegen row overshadowing Barcelona preparations
The fall-out has dominated the agenda in Catalonia over recent days and Canizares, who won 46 caps for Spain between 1993 and 2006, feels the 33-year-old should be sanctioned for his behaviour.
He told Cadena Cope: “A captain represents the players in a game and at the negotiating table in the face of a bonus issue or conflict.
“You can’t be lazy, create a bad atmosphere or be selfish. You have to set an example. He has to inspire everyone to be committed and give good performances, to be a team, to give good vibes and try to solve conflicts with the club or team-mates.
“But of course, if you create the conflict… If you have an open war with the club, it doesn’t make sense for that player to be the captain. It’s just the opposite, the captain would now be there to solve Ter Stegen’s conflict.”
His behaviour is like that of many Germans – Canizares
Canizares, who came through at Real Madrid but emerged as a top goalkeeper at Valencia, with whom he won two La Liga crowns and reached two Champions League finals, is not surprised by Ter Stegen’s conduct.
He added: “When he hasn’t played, his behaviour has left a lot to be desired, like many Germans who have that behaviour.
“We goalkeepers are selfish because if we are not starters we do not play all year.”
Ter Stegen’s back injury was a blow for Barca, who were hoping to offload him this summer. The former Borussia Monchengladbach man has a contract until 2028 and has hinted he wishes to honour it after returning to full fitness.
The Spanish champions now have three top-level goalkeepers in their ranks, though, with Ter Stegen and Garcia in competition with veteran pole Wojciech Szczesny.
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2025-08-07 12:05:22
