Míchel leaps to Ter Stegen's defence over 'Madame Tussauds statue' jibe

Ajax boss backs on-loan Barcelona keeper

Ajax head coach Míchel has moved to throw his backing behind on-loan Barcelona star Marc-André ter Stegen, following a wave of criticism aimed at the German goalkeeper in recent weeks.

Ter Stegen secured a fresh departure from Barcelona over the summer, taking his talents to the Eredivisie with Ajax for the duration of the campaign. The 34-year-old has since gone on to play a leading role for his new employers, notching starts in all but one of the capital club's league fixtures.

Amid what has been a hit-and-miss stretch of form for Ajax, though, Ter Stegen has been singled out for criticism on the part of some sections of fans and the media alike.

'I don't agree with you describing him as a statue'

During a recent press conference, Míchel was faced with a somewhat unusual query from a journalist. "The goalkeeper (Ter Stegen) keeps standing there without making any move… It has started to feel somewhat like the museum here in the city… Madame Tussauds Museum," the reporter explained.

The Spanish head coach, however, used the opportunity to defend his player. "I don't agree with you describing him as a statue," Míchel responded.

The backing comes at a crucial juncture for both ter Stegen and Ajax, with the German veteran expected to remain a central figure between the posts for the remainder of his loan spell in Amsterdam.