Michel Rejects Statue Jibe as Ter Stegen Finds His Feet at Ajax

Michel defends Ter Stegen against criticism that followed Ajax’s 1-1 draw with N.E.C. Nijmegen at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, after a journalist compared the goalkeeper to a Madame Tussauds statue. The Ajax manager rejected the description quickly, making clear he did not accept the way the Barcelona loanee had been characterised in the post-match press conference.

The criticism and the response

The comparison surfaced after the Eredivisie fixture on 10 October 2026, when a journalist said Ter Stegen stands still and feels like the Madame Tussauds museum. Michel disagreed with describing the Germany goalkeeper as a statue, using the post-match setting to defend the player rather than let the remark stand unchallenged.

The timing mattered. Ajax had just been held at home, and the draw gave the press conference its edge. Michel responded promptly, turning the focus away from the comparison and back toward the goalkeeper he knows well.

A reunion shaped by Girona

Ter Stegen arrived at Ajax in the summer to reunite with Michel. The two had previously worked together at Girona, although that spell ended early because of injury. The history between manager and goalkeeper is part of why Michel was willing to push back so directly.

The loan from Barcelona places Ter Stegen in Amsterdam for the current campaign, with seven Eredivisie appearances to his name so far.

Where Ajax stand

Ajax are fifth in the Eredivisie and sit five points behind leaders Feyenoord. The 1-1 draw with Nijmegen is the immediate context for the criticism, and the league table explains why the dropped points drew scrutiny.

For Ter Stegen, the loan is about rebuilding rhythm in a new league while Michel, his former Girona coach, manages the response around him. The statue remark may have been the loudest line after the Nijmegen match, but it is not the one Ajax’s manager was prepared to let pass.