Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has reached a definitive conclusion regarding the goalkeeping position. It astonished many that the German coach continued to place his trust in Inaki Pena.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has reached a definitive conclusion regarding the goalkeeping position.

 

 

 

It astonished many that the German coach continued to place his trust in Inaki Pena following the acquisition of Wojciech Szczesny as an emergency signing.

 

 

 

Furthermore, his subsequent reversal on this issue has elicited even greater surprise.Pena retained his position as the primary custodian following Szczesny’s arrival, with Flick publicly asserting that the Valencian custodian had provided no justification for a change. Consequently, until an error was made, this arrangement would persist.

 

 

 

He conveyed the same message to Pena, stating that if he continues to perform at his current level, he would retain his position.Following his initial appearances in the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Supercup, Szczesny, aged 34, retained his position in the Champions League and La Liga matches this week against Benfica and Valencia.

 

 

 

“We have not yet relinquished our commitment to Tek [Szczesny]; he holds significant importance.” “I acknowledge that the circumstances for Inaki Pena are not ideal; however, following an internal meeting, we have made the decision to commence with Szczesny this evening,” Flick conveyed to Diario AS.

 

 

 

The same source further reports that Flick has not engaged in any discussions with Pena regarding the decision, which has caused Pena to feel aggrieved. Consequently, he may reevaluate his future with the club, as he would assume the position of third-choice custodian upon the return of Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

 

 

 

 

The decision was made by Flick, who favours Szczesny’s experience within a youthful team, notwithstanding the fact that goalkeeping coach Jose Ramon de la Fuente advocated for the continuation of Pena as the starting goalkeeper. This decision will be especially disheartening for Pena, considering that the same mistakes for which he was held accountable have been overlooked in the case of Szczesny.

 

 

 

 

In three of his five appearances, Szczesny has made considerable errors, and during the match against Valencia, he was fortunate to avoid conceding a second penalty due to a VAR decision that reverted the play. Sent off against Real Madrid, he also gave away a penalty and took out Alejandro Balde resulting to a Benfica goal last week.