When Xavi was sacked as Barcelona coach after initially resigning, then being persuaded to continue, there was a lot of excitement about who could replace the Barca legend. Hansi Flick made sure to answer the question from the first leg as the new coach of the La Liga giant. The league title and cup title were the result in his debut season. Now it is rigged to stay at the top and take the last steps in the Champions League, but again it is wage costs that create a “bad atmosphere”.
In La Liga, there is a salary cap for the clubs’ squads. This has previously sent Barcelona into conflict with the league, with La Liga boss Javier Tebas refusing to give Barcelona a free pass. This led to Barcelona struggling last season to register Dani Olmo to play in La Liga. With the signing of Rooney Bardghji, Marcus Rashford and Joan Garcia this summer, there are three new players who need to be manoeuvred into place in the salary budget. Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has become central to this cabal.
Last season, Barcelona negotiated that Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo accepted pay cuts. The Barcelona duo were out with long-term injuries, the pay cut meant that Pau Victor and Dani Olmo could be registered. Barcelona will do it again with Ter Stegen. The goalkeeper’s injury must be assessed by La Liga, but this requires the players to give permission to do so. According to Mundo Deportivo , the German national team goalkeeper is not part of this manoeuvre.
Marc-André Ter Stegen has been out of action for quite some time. The German goalkeeper has undergone back surgery and is now facing a long break, which Barcelona can take advantage of, but according to the Spanish media, Ter Stegen is not open to giving up a large part of his salary. Now conflict is looming.
According to the Spanish media, the German’s no is said to have surprised the Barcelona management, who are considering an internal penalty. Ter Stegen has the right to say no, but Barcelona believe he is disregarding the club’s interests. According to Mundo Deportivo, this is the first time the club has experienced a similar situation.
Ter Stegen was injured at work, has every right to keep his salary, but is still pressured by his employer for something they perceive as “unheard of”. The salary cut is necessary to register new/new players. Sounds like a conflict is on the way, yes.
