Manchester City goalkeeper Zack Steffen has reflected on the relief at signing a long-term contract extension earlier this season.
Steffen, 26, is City's second-choice goalkeeper behind Ederson, and has proved a reliable back-up as well as a solid option to play in the domestic cup competitions.
The US Men's National Team goalkeeper signed for City in 2019 from Columbus Crew, before spending a year on loan at Fortuna Dusseldorf in Germany. For the last two years, he has been an able deputy for Ederson and has 20 appearances for City in total.
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Despite that relatively small number of outings, Steffen has conducted himself well enough to earn a new contract this season, putting pen to paper on a deal until 2025 back in November. A frustrating injury has followed that high point, but he is now back and looking to help City in their quest for Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup success.
Reflecting on the ups and downs of this season, Steffen has told the SoccerBible Podcast that he felt relief when he signed his new deal as he explained why he values the stability of staying at one club for multiple seasons.
"Injuries are always tough. As athletes injuries are part of the game," he said.
"When you’re not part of the team, not in team meetings or travelling with the team or in training so it does feel like you’re not part of the team at the moment. It’s very tough, but signing a new contract is a big privilege and a very proud moment because it says that they like me here and what I’m doing and that they want to continue.
"That’s a relief for myself and it makes you feel good. At the end of the day it’s also a business, it can get a little messy. For us athletes you want to be somewhere you’re respected and they want you. You don’t want to be moving every year or two years, you want security, so that’s nice."
In terms of future goals, Steffen said he wants to 'become a number one again' for club and country, with the chance to stake his claim for the US in this month's World Cup qualifiers.
And he also reflected on working with Pep Guardiola, who he says will ask about life in America when the pair chat.
Steffen said: "He's quirky, obviously one of the smartest coaches to ever grace the game. He’s very passionate about playing beautiful football.
"Just being calm, that’s one thing I’ve really learned from him and his style to just be calm and don’t force it. You always have an option. Growing up in America, my training pattern is to go and have fun and play. Coming here, it's part of the game. That’s his style, he’s very motivational, his team talks. You’re with him every day so it’s hard to describe. You’re going to learn something and he’s going to make you better."
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