It's not common for a locker room like Barça's to openly question one of its captains. But this time, it's not just any debate. A delicate issue has been brought up.
Ter Stegen's role, until now untouchable, is starting to generate more doubts than certainties.
Xavi kept him for years. Even when he wasn't at one hundred percent. But Barça has changed coaches and also its dynamic.
With Flick in charge, new decisions are on the table… and one of the most sensitive is the captaincy.
An attitude that has worn down the group
Ter Stegen is under scrutiny. In the locker room, they no longer see him the same way.
His insistence on staying at the club, demanding every last euro of his contract until 2028, has caused internal unrest. It hasn't been well received.
His stance regarding the arrival of reinforcements hasn't helped either. According to leaks from those close to him, Ter Stegen has made it clear that he would only leave if the club fulfills every detail of the contract.
In practice, that has so far held up the registrations of Joan García and Rashford.
In the locker room, that's not easily forgiven. "All of us have made sacrifices here," they say in private. Flick, who already knows it, isn't going to overlook it.
Flick takes note and listens to the locker room
The German coach is handling the situation cautiously. He doesn't want to impose decisions in the heat of the moment.
He has asked around. The answer he's received from some of the heavyweights leaves no room for doubt: Ter Stegen has lost support.
That's why Flick has started to consider other options for the captaincy. There's one name everyone likes: Íñigo Martínez. For his leadership, commitment, and day-to-day attitude.
Íñigo, the locker room's favorite
The Basque center-back isn't the most veteran, nor the most high-profile. But within the group, he has earned everyone's respect.
He has never caused a stir, has played injured when needed, and has never asked for anything. He has only given.
Flick values him as well. He had him on his radar when he coached in Germany and now understands why the locker room points to him as the new leader.
Íñigo is well liked, brings people together, and doesn't create tension. The complete opposite of what Ter Stegen now represents.
Hot summer at the goal
The summer isn't over yet. But at Barça's goal, there's already a storm. Ter Stegen didn't expect it, but he is no longer untouchable.
The captaincy, which seemed guaranteed, is slipping away from him. Not because of performance… but because of attitude.