What should have been a night of celebration ended up turning into a scene of internal tension at FC Barcelona. During the title celebration at Montjuïc, one of the most desired moments didn't happen. Ter Stegen, the team's captain, refused to take the microphone and address a few words to the fans present.
Every year, the club's tradition is clear: the captain and several players address messages to the crowd. Everything was prepared for it, including in the media rundown and the event's organization. However, Ter Stegen, unexpectedly, decided not to speak, sparking anger among the club's top officials.
Barça | @FCBarcelona
Flick and Laporta face to face in the middle of the field
The German goalkeeper's decision wasn't well received by anyone within the club, especially the board. Witnesses at Montjuïc claim that Hansi Flick and Joan Laporta had a very tense conversation on the field. They both argued about Ter Stegen's gesture, which exposed the poor internal atmosphere.
The German coach's reaction was immediate, upset by what he considered a lack of respect toward the fans. Meanwhile, Laporta showed his disappointment, aware that the captain's attitude could be interpreted as a challenge. More than 50,000 people were in the stadium waiting for that message, which never came.
Group photo with the title and the entire squad | @FCBarcelona
Sources close to the squad point to a clear reason behind the Barça captain's silence. Ter Stegen is reportedly very upset with the club over the way they're handling his future. The arrival of Joan García and the rumors about his departure have fueled the German goalkeeper's frustration.
The club has opened the door for his departure and that has caused tension among the parties involved. He feels pushed aside and misunderstood, despite his years of commitment to the Barça badge. That's why he decided not to take part in an act he considered hypocritical given the circumstances.
Domino effect on the celebration
Ter Stegen's gesture had more consequences than expected. Since the captain was supposed to start the speeches to the crowd, his silence forced the rest of the interventions to be canceled. No other player took the microphone, to avoid making the German's absence even more obvious.
This left a strange feeling among those present, who were expecting a direct connection with their idols after a demanding season. The organization didn't know how to react at that moment and the event lost part of its usual essence. In the club's executive area, the discomfort was obvious.
The goalkeeper's silent act has been interpreted by the board as a clear sign of a break. They consider it was a lack of consideration and that the gesture can't be overlooked. Although there hasn't been an official statement, internally the club is beginning to accept that Ter Stegen's time may be coming to an end.
For the player, he feels hurt by how he's been treated and believes he no longer has support. His relationship with some staff members has cooled, and his continuity seems less and less likely. The decision not to speak was a cry of protest in the form of silence.
