Michel defends Barcelona loanee Marc-Andre ter Stegen from ‘statue’ criticism

Ajax manager Michel defended goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen after media members criticized the Barcelona loanee following a 1-1 draw with Nijmegen. During a post-match press conference, a journalist compared Ter Stegen's lack of movement in goal to a statue at the local Madame Tussauds museum. Michel pushed back against the assessment, stating that he disagreed with describing the German goalkeeper as a statue.

Ter Stegen joined Ajax on a summer loan deal, reuniting with Michel after their prior stint together at Girona was shortened due to injury. Ter Stegen has made seven Eredivisie appearances for Ajax this season, with the club currently sitting in fifth place, five points behind league leaders Feyenoord.