Amsterdam’s draw with Excelsior left Marc-André ter Stegen with a difficult evening to reflect on, but the international break has brought the German goalkeeper a welcome change of scene. The Barcelona loanee, currently with Ajax, has returned to Germany’s extended Nations League squad after a year away from the national-team selection.
The news from the club
Ajax were held 2-2 at home by Excelsior, with ter Stegen enduring a performance below his usual standards. The match came shortly before the international pause, offering the goalkeeper an opportunity to join up with Germany after Jürgen Klopp included him in a 44-man group.
Ter Stegen said the recall carried particular weight after a prolonged recovery period and limited playing time across the previous two years.
“It means a great deal to me,” he said after the Excelsior match. “My recovery was very hard. I always try to give everything and show my best side, so I am happy to be back. Every child who plays football dreams of representing his country. After the last two years, when I could not always play, it means even more. The way I have been treated in Germany also means a lot to me.”
The goalkeeper expressed gratitude to Klopp, whose first squad as Germany coach has restored ter Stegen to the international picture.
Germany selection leaves notable omissions
While ter Stegen has been brought back into the Nations League plans, Thilo Kehrer and Julian Brandt were not named in Klopp’s 44-player selection.
Brandt’s omission stands out in particular, with ter Stegen offering a strong defence of his fellow German.
“Jule is doing a great job and makes the difference,” ter Stegen said. “But the decision is not mine at all.”
