Wojciech Szczesny will keep his position for both the semi -final of the Champions League and the Clasico against Real Madrid, Hansi Flick confirmed after Saturday's victory over Real Valladolid.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen was beaten by Ivan Sanchez after only six minutes, but was in good shape after an absence of seven months.
The Barcelona lead at the top of Laliga extended to seven points after the second half of Raphinha and Fermin Lopez strikes destroyed the benefit of the hosts.
Flick confirmed that his fellow Germans would return to the sidelines while Barcelona is preparing to visit Inter, who were the last four after an exciting first leg on 3-3 in the Champions League last Wednesday.
“We will see about Marc, he did well today, but Szczesny will play in the Champions League and against Real Madrid,” Flick told reporters.
Flick made a total of nine changes for the trip to Valladolid, where his side extended their undefeated competition run to 15 games despite heavily rotating.
That is their longest run in the competition since he was so many matches in April 2022, and Flick was satisfied with what he saw from his backup options.
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“I am not disappointed. If you make so many changes, it is not easy for the players, they are young,” he said.
“I believe in them. I have faith. If there is a lot of rotation, the level is different.
“I was able to let some players rest and give others for a few minutes. It was not easy. There were a few mistakes, fast transitions, but [Ronald] Araujo and [Andreas] Christensen had a good game and also Stegen. “
Fermin was one of them to get the start from the start, to complete a nice performance with a smart finish that turned out to be the winner after an exchange with Gerard Martin.
The attacking midfielder of Barcelona also created three chances, a totally only improved by teammate Pedri, and Flick hinted that Fermin might have done enough to earn a start in Milan on Tuesday.
“He is a player who always has the chance to start. He can play in various positions,” added the former manager of Germany.
“The goal is three points, and I am satisfied that we got them. Mission completed.”
