Barcelona: Ter Stegen: The latest trip with the German national team was a tough blow

His national team played against the Netherlands and Northern Ireland in the international break, with Manuel Neuer being his coach's first-choice goalkeeper in both matches.

"It is not easy to find an explanation (for nor starting) as I am giving the best account of myself in each game to make the decision more difficult," Ter Stegen said during a promotional event of the Mcdavid Brand in Barcelona.

"I am trying (to become the first-choice goalkeeper) anyway, but this trip with the national team has been a tough blow for me."

Meanwhile, Barcelona have struggled at the start of the new season, but the German keeper feels that the team should focus on the future, rather than the past.

"It is never easy to have the first game away from home, as a clash like that was very complicated," he added.

"We have to improve, add more points and not look at what has happened so far.

"Those who were not available are now closer (to playing again).

"Now we play at home and we want to go one step further to be prepared for the Champions League. "

His captain, Lionel messi, reportedly has a clause in his contract which allows him to depart Barcelona for free whenever he chooses to do so, but Ter stegen has claimed that the Argentine feels comfortable at the Blaugrana.

"I think he deserves to have this opportunity, to be able to decide his future," he said.

"The easiest thing for us is to tell him to stay, because he is a key part of the team.

"I am convinced that he feels comfortable at the club and the city, and it's hard for him to move.

"Personally I want him to stay, but I don't decide.

"We're going to tell him to stay and we hope he does," he stated.