Ter Stegen Upset Over Being Benched Due to Bonus Loss – Reports
According to SPORT (via Barca Universal), Marc-André ter Stegen was reportedly frustrated with head coach Hansi Flick’s decision to start Iñaki Peña in Barcelona’s final game of the season. Two main reasons were cited for his disappointment:
- Fitness for International Duty: Ter Stegen had requested to play the match to maintain his form ahead of Germany’s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
- Missed Bonus Opportunity: Sitting out meant missing a performance-based bonus, which was tied to the number of games played this season.
The disagreement appears to stem less from personal rivalry and more from professional motivations – staying match-fit and securing a contract-related financial incentive.