Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has made his final choice regarding the team’s goalkeeping situation, which has caught many by surprise as he continues to back Inaki Peña. This comes after Wojciech Szczęsny was signed as an emergency backup.
Despite Szczęsny’s arrival, Peña remained the starting goalkeeper, with Flick stating that Peña had done nothing to warrant a change in his position. He reassured Peña that as long as his performances remained strong, he would keep his place.
However, after Szczęsny played in the Copa del Rey and Spanish Supercup, the 34-year-old goalkeeper retained his starting role in recent Champions League and La Liga matches against Benfica and Valencia.
In an interview with Diario AS, Flick clarified, “We haven’t given up on Tek [Szczęsny], he’s crucial to us. I understand the situation is difficult for Inaki Peña, but after an internal discussion, we decided to start Szczęsny tonight.”
Sources say Flick has yet to inform Peña of his decision, which has left the goalkeeper feeling upset. As a result, Peña is now contemplating his future at the club, especially with Marc-André ter Stegen’s imminent return likely pushing him down to third choice.
Flick’s decision to start Szczęsny, despite Peña’s solid form, was influenced by the Polish goalkeeper’s experience within a relatively young squad. Goalkeeping coach José Ramón de la Fuente had advocated for Peña to remain as the starter.
The decision is particularly harsh on Peña, as Szczęsny’s mistakes, which have been significant in three of his five appearances, have gone largely overlooked.
For instance, against Valencia, Szczęsny was fortunate not to concede a second penalty after a VAR review reversed the initial decision. He also made costly errors against Real Madrid and Benfica, including a red card, a penalty concession, and a foul that led to a goal.
