Hansi Flick is aware that in recent weeks a debate has opened regarding Barça's goalkeeper. Ter Stegen, in the final stretch of his recovery, has made it clear publicly and privately that he wants to return before the season ends. He feels ready and believes he deserves the opportunity to return to the culer goal for the remainder of the campaign. The problem is clear: Szczesny is performing at a high level, and the German's return would mean unregistering him from all competitions.
Hansi Flick Decides: Szczesny Is Number 1
SPORT has revealed that Hansi Flick doesn't want any kind of debate and his idea is to keep Wojciech Szczesny in the culer goal. He is having a great performance and, unless it plummets or he gets injured, he is the chosen one to defend the blaugrana goal. He conveys security and the German considers that it is not the time to make a change that could disrupt everything.
The decision is made and the Pole will occupy Barça's goal in the first big final of the season, playing a Clásico in the Copa del Rey. From that moment on, "we'll see," although the idea is clear and no big risks will be taken in the Champions League. Ter Stegen knows firsthand that, although he wants to return, "it's going to be difficult" for him for the rest of the campaign.
Szczesny will continue under the posts of Barça's goal until the end of the season. One possibility that had been considered is that Ter Stegen would have some matches in the remaining League, but the regulations are clear and if he plays, the Pole would have to be unregistered. Therefore, Hansi Flick considers this option "unviable" and has decided to continue with the Pole for the rest of the course.
Ter Stegen Respects the Decision
Although Ter Stegen would have liked to return, especially to occupy Germany's goal in the Nations League, he respects Hansi Flick's decision. He understands that Szczesny's performance makes this possibility unviable and believes he deserves to defend the blaugrana goal from here until the end of the season.
Next season will be different, as Ter Stegen is expected to regain the absolute starting position, with Szczesny accepting a more secondary role. The Pole arrived for only one season, but his renewal is underway and all parties want him to continue at FC Barcelona.