The coach of FC Barcelona, Xavi Hernández, praised national goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen in the highest tones.
After the arduous 1-0 away win against Real Sociedad San Sebastián, Xavi told journalists that Ter Stegen gives the team a great sense of security. “He’s a goalkeeper that inspires me. I think he’s one of the best in the world,” said the coach.
Ter Stegen had made two brilliant saves in the second half of the game that ensured that the Catalans were able to maintain the lead they had scored in the eleventh minute through ex-Dortmund player Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. “Of course he can also have phases of weakness, but today, like in many other games before, he secured points for us,” said the coach. “Marc is extremely important to me. I’ve known him well since we played together, he has a lot of personality, he’s a leader,” said Xavi. Ter Stegen is “extremely important” for FC Barcelona.
Barça was able to stop their downward trend with the win and, after two previous defeats, won a game again. After the Europa League in the quarter-finals against Eintracht Frankfurt, the “Blaugrana” had recently lost in La Liga against relegation candidate FC Cádiz (0: 1). With the three points won in the Basque Country, they are now second in the table again. Real Madrid are 15 points ahead but are practically unassailable in the race for the national championship and are on the verge of winning the next title. (dpa)