Tony Tapalovic: A new confidant will coach Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the future
Flick, Thiago, Westermann, Sorg – a wild mix. Plus, Toni Tapalovic comes in as another assistant and goalkeeping coach – an explosive option. The Croatian recently worked for a long time with Manuel Neuer at FC Bayern before Julian Nagelsmann initiated his dismissal in January 2023. “I felt like my heart was being ripped out. It was the worst experience ever,” complained Neuer, who was injured at the time. South German newspapers.Taplovic and Neuer are close personal friends and have already gone on holidays together.
At Barca, Tapalovic will now look after Neuer’s worst rival, Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The 32-year-old has been excelling for Barca for many years but he could not overtake Neuer, six years his senior, in the national team. Although Neuer had not played any international matches for a year and a half due to various injuries, he was also given preference at the home European Championships. “The coach’s decision must be accepted, even if I do not agree with him,” ter Stegen said.
Despite Tapalovic’s commitment, previous goalkeeping coach Jose de la Fuente will also retain his job at Barca. He has been in the position since 2012 (and is not related to Spain’s European champion coach Luis de la Fuente). Meanwhile, FC Barcelona have improved their fitness department. Four new hires have arrived: Julio Tous (recently Tottenham), German Fernandez (recently Udinese), Rafa Maldonado (recently San Sebastian) and Pepe Conde (recently Sevilla FC). Conde’s employment is particularly notable – prior to his time in Seville, he worked for Barca’s arch-rival Real Madrid.
