Ter Stegen apologises to Neuer and reveals details of his conversation with Klopp

Marc-André ter Stegen is set to make his first start as Germany's goalkeeper against the Netherlands on Thursday in the UEFA Nations League, 5234 days after his debut for the national team.

Marc-André ter Stegen said: "I am very excited for this match. It is a very special occasion for me, especially since this city has become my new home. Looking back at the past, I know that these matches have always been special."

When asked if Manuel Neuer had congratulated him on taking the first-choice goalkeeper position for the national team, Ter Stegen replied: "No." He then added with a smile: "He has recently become a father for the second time, and I congratulate him as well. I haven't congratulated him yet, sorry!" He continued: "We met once during a short holiday, but that was before the World Cup, and it's been a long time since then. It's nice for him that he is healthy and able to play football, and that's what I wish for him. He is a legend in German football."

Marc-André ter Stegen also spoke about the first conversation he had with Jürgen Klopp, the new head coach of Germany, saying: "We had a good conversation, and we talked generally about the situation. He told me that he needs a core group of players and explained to me what his idea is. In the end, performance always remains the priority, and that is the basic requirement for everything, as well as health."

Ajax goalkeeper will earn his 45th international cap for Germany against the Netherlands. Speaking about the beginning of the Klopp era, Ter Stegen said: "I hope we have a successful period under his leadership. That is what I wish for him, for myself, and for German football."