Strangely enough, the position that was most insecure during the season in Barcelona was the goalkeeper spot. Their plans were thrown in disorder after Marc-Andre ter Stegen had sustained a serious knee injury in September and Hansi Flick has three different number on different points.
After Ter Stegen's injury, Barcelona Wojciech Szczesny took over to retire and sign a one-year-old deal until the end of the season, but Flick maintained confidence in back-up goalkeeper Inaki Pena. That faith lasted until Christmas, when Szczesny started to start in cup matches and then took over the number one in La Liga – Barcelona has not lost since.
The Polish veteran, 34, is happy with the club and will extend his contract for a year. Sport says it could even include an option to extend the deal with a further season, in which case Szczesny would be on board until 2027. With Ter Stegen now in the last part of his recovery, will another decision be forced to flick: to bring his captain back to the starting line-up or to stay with SZCZESNY?
Ter Stegen is apparently ready for 'doing a Courtois', referring to the restoration of his Real Madrid counterpart of a cross damage last season, which culminated in the Belgian who started the semi-final and final of the Champions League. However, the same exhaust valve meets that if Ter Stegen goes back to fitness, he gets playing time as a reward for his recovery. However, the plan is for Szczesny to play the season as the undisputed starter in the goal.
For Ter Stegen to play in Europe, Barcelona Szczesny should register and he could not bring him back in the fold. For example, Flick should have a confidence in Ter Stegen fully based on one or two games in domestic action, so that he is thrown into the highest pressure situation. At a certain moment in April, the German keeper seems to resume full training if his recovery continues at the same pace.
Comments