New Fire in FC Barcelona's Locker Room. Although this time the origin of the fire comes from Madrid, specifically from El Tertulión of Cadena Cope.
With LaLiga and the Champions League at stake, an unexpected controversy has erupted that fully involves Marc-André ter Stegen. According to former goalkeeper Santiago Cañizares, Barça's German goalkeeper is not acting sportsmanlike with his teammate Wojciech Szczęsny.
"It's Impossible for Szczęsny to Be Calm"
The Polish goalkeeper has successfully covered Ter Stegen's absence due to injury. But the German is available again and is eager to get back under Barça's goalposts.
On the subject, Flick has already warned that, for the remainder of the season, Szczęsny will remain the starter. Although he will give some LaLiga matches to his compatriot.
Cañizares has been blunt: "It's impossible for Szczęsny to be calm with the pressure Ter Stegen is exerting. It's unsettling him".
"I don't know what to call it, you would call it 'nonsense' -he added-. But the permanent complicity Ter Stegen has with Flick can't let Szczesny play calmly. That affects a goalkeeper, and it's not right," Cañizares said.
These statements open the door to an uncomfortable reality in the club. The German would not be willing to accept serious competition under the posts and, according to these voices, would be pulling strings to thwart any approach to his 'rival' for the position.
Ter Stegen Feels Strong with Flick
The Arrival of Hansi Flick, with whom Ter Stegen keeps a very close relationship from the German national team, would have strengthened the goalkeeper's power within the Barça locker room. Now, with Szczęsny's name on the table, the tension has skyrocketed. The Pole, although a calm person, did not expect to encounter such a hostile environment.
From the club, officially, there is silence. But sources close to the sports area assure that Flick values Szczęsny very positively and doesn't rule out his continuity if economic conditions allow it. However, coexisting with Ter Stegen seems a huge challenge.
Barça's goal, which for years was synonymous with stability, has once again become a focus of conflict. With the Champions League at stake, this situation only adds internal pressure to a team already under scrutiny.