Can Stefan Ortega secure a long-term position in the Germany national team?
Manchester City’s goalkeeper, Stefan Ortega, is currently embarking on his inaugural journey into international football. At 32 years old, he has received his first call-up to the German national squad, where he is diligently training alongside established goalkeepers Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nubel. This preparation comes ahead of crucial UEFA Nations League matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Hungary.
Since joining the Premier League in 2022, Ortega has been striving to challenge Ederson for the starting role. Throughout this season, he has already participated in four matches across various competitions, bringing his total appearances for Manchester City to 38 since his transfer from Arminia Bielefeld.
Recognized for his exceptional skills as a ball-playing goalkeeper, Ortega’s prospects of securing a permanent place in the Germany setup have enhanced significantly, especially following the international retirement of legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and the long-term injury of Marc-André ter Stegen.
In his previous tenure at Arminia Bielefeld, Ortega made a notable impact in the Bundesliga, featuring in 67 games and achieving an impressive 17 clean sheets. His former goalkeeping coach, Marco Kostmann, who has mentored Ortega from his youth days through to professional level, is optimistic about his chances of establishing himself within the national team. Kostmann emphasized Ortega’s reliability and readiness in high-pressure situations.
In a conversation with Kicker, Kostmann stated: “The chances are good. He has a reputation for being a reliable player at Manchester City, one that Pep Guardiola can always rely on. That is exactly how the DFB will see it: They are getting another top player in goal and for the team, who has proven that he can deliver top performances in stress-resilient situations, even when coming off the bench.”
What challenges do you anticipate facing as you transition from club football to the international stage?
**Interview with Stefan Ortega: Charting a Path into the National Team**
**Interviewer:** Stefan, congratulations on your first call-up to the German national team! How does it feel to be part of this prestigious squad?
**Stefan Ortega:** Thank you so much! It’s a dream come true for me. I’ve always wanted to represent my country, and being in the same training camp with such talented players is an incredible experience. I’m looking forward to showcasing my skills and learning from everyone around me.
**Interviewer:** You’re training alongside seasoned goalkeepers like Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nubel. What has that experience been like?
**Stefan Ortega:** It’s been fantastic. Both of them have a wealth of experience, and I’m soaking in as much knowledge as I can. Training at this level is intense, but it also pushes me to improve every day. We’re all rooting for each other, which creates a supportive environment.
**Interviewer:** Given your performance at Manchester City and your reputation as a ball-playing goalkeeper, do you feel that your style of play aligns well with the national team’s philosophy?
**Stefan Ortega:** I believe it does. The modern game requires goalkeepers to be comfortable with the ball at their feet, and I’ve always focused on that aspect of my game. I’m excited to demonstrate that during the upcoming matches and hopefully contribute to the team’s style of play.
**Interviewer:** You’ve had a solid run at Manchester City, challenging Ederson for the starting spot. How do those experiences prepare you for international competitions?
**Stefan Ortega:** Playing at City has definitely sharpened my skills. The competition is fierce, and every game demands top performance. Those experiences cultivate resilience and adaptability, which are crucial when playing on the international stage. I believe they will help me perform at my best.
**Interviewer:** What do you think your chances are of securing a long-term position in the national team after these matches?
**Stefan Ortega:** I know it’s going to be a competitive environment with a lot of talented players. My focus right now is on these upcoming matches. If I can perform well and help the team succeed, that’s the best way to build a case for a more permanent role. Ultimately, I just want to contribute to the team in any way I can.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what message do you have for your supporters as you embark on this new journey?
**Stefan Ortega:** I want to thank everyone who has supported me along the way. This call-up wouldn’t have been possible without their encouragement and belief in me. I’m committed to giving my all and making them proud whenever I step on the field in a national jersey.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Stefan. We wish you the best in your international journey!
**Stefan Ortega:** Thank you! I appreciate it.