When Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a severe knee damage in early October, Barcelona swiftly signed Wojciech Szczesny as an emergency alternative. The transfer raised expectations that the previous Juventus and Arsenal goalkeeper would seamlessly step into the beginning position. Nevertheless, two months later, Szczesny has but to make his debut, with Iñaki Peña persevering with as Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper. Regardless of questions from followers and pundits, Hansi Flick has remained steadfast in his help of Peña—a call that has drawn scrutiny amid Barcelona’s latest struggles.
Peña, a La Masia product, was thrust into the highlight following Ter Stegen’s damage. Many believed Szczesny’s expertise would shortly see him overtake the 25-year-old within the pecking order. But, Flick has chosen to stay with the Spaniard, who has repaid the religion in key moments, together with a standout efficiency throughout Barcelona’s El Clasico victory, the place he saved an important clear sheet.
In 14 appearances since assuming the beginning position, he has conceded 14 targets and saved 5 clear sheets, serving to Barcelona safe 10 wins in all competitions. Flick, praising Peña’s growth, reiterated his confidence within the goalkeeper, stating, “I believe in the meanwhile there’s not a plan to alter that. Iñaki is primary, like I mentioned earlier than.”
What did Szczesny and Flick say?
Although introduced out of retirement to fill a crucial want, Szczesny has demonstrated professionalism in accepting his position as backup. Chatting with Polish outletEleven Sports activities, Szczesny mentioned, “If it’s not damaged, don’t repair it. If I put myself within the supervisor’s footwear, I wouldn’t play me both. I’ll get my likelihood to minimize the road.”
Flick acknowledged the Polish goalkeeper’s readiness, noting, “He’s performing rather well in coaching.” But, the German supervisor’s loyalty to Peña means that Szczesny’s debut could not come anytime quickly until there’s a important dip in type from the younger Spaniard.
Regardless of Peña’s enchancment, the Catalans had lately hit a tough patch in La Liga, having gone winless of their final three league matches earlier than ending the unlucky stoop in opposition to Mallorca on Tuesday. Peña’s efficiency within the 2-1 loss to Las Palmas final weekend drew criticism, significantly for his involvement in each targets conceded. The latest stoop has intensified requires the Polish veteran to be given an opportunity, although Flick stays unmoved.
When requested about Szczesny’s potential to begin, the German supervisor emphasised continuity, saying, “The plan is to not change that. Iñaki is primary.” Nevertheless, if Peña’s type continues to waver, Flick’s resolution could face renewed scrutiny.
Highway forward: Will Szczesny get any alternatives?
Barcelona’s schedule earlier than the 12 months ends contains essential La Liga and Champions League matches, the place Flick is prone to persist with Peña. The Copa del Rey, which doesn’t start till early 2025 for Barcelona, could current Szczesny together with his finest likelihood for recreation time.
Although the Polish goalkeeper didn’t come out of retirement to take a seat on the bench, his persistence and professionalism have been commendable. Ought to Barcelona’s defensive points persist, the 34-year-old could lastly get the chance to show why the Blaugrana signed him within the first place. Till then, Hansi Flick’s belief in Iñaki Peña stays unwavering.
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