Loew backs Stegen’s fight for Germany’s number one goalkeeper’s spot

Germany coach Joachim Low has welcomed Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s determination to challenge Manuel Neuer for a starting role as the national team’s goalkeeper.

Bayern Munich star Neuer remains captain and Low’s first-choice shot-stopper, leaving the Barcelona man frustrated at a lack of opportunities to represent his country.

In a recent interview with DAZN, Ter Stegen stressed he is determined to put Neuer under pressure and force his claim to a starting role.

And Low acknowledged the 26-year-old’s right to make his feelings known, insisting he did not consider it an attack on his team-mate or coaches.

“I think it’s absolutely okay what he said,” Low told DAZN.

“It was not an attack towards Manuel Neuer or us coaches. He formulated his ambitions and he is absolutely right to do that because he became a really great goalkeeper in the last two or three years.

“We are happy to have two world-class goalkeepers in Germany. I said last year that Neuer is the number one, also because he is our captain. But this year we have a little restart and Marc will get his chances in the qualification for Euro 2020. The Euros are next summer, and we have a little time left until then.

“Of course, there will be a fight [for the number one role]. At the end, the performances always count. Manuel made good performances at the World Cup, although he had a long injury before. Both goalkeepers are on a great level, so this year we’ll see what happens. Surely Marc will also get a few games.”