FC Barcelona went to seek Wojciech Szczesny after Ter Stegen's serious injury at the beginning of the season. The Polish goalkeeper had already retired and returned to activity at Flick's request.
Ter Stegen, Two Weeks Away from Receiving Medical Clearance
Ter Stegen was deregistered due to a long-term injury, and only then could he be registered in LaLiga and the Champions League. Now Ter Stegen is just two weeks away from receiving medical clearance. Hansi Flick must choose, one or the other.
FC Barcelona finds itself at a crossroads in the goalkeeping position. Marc-André ter Stegen, captain and team leader, is progressing in his recovery after the complete rupture of the patellar tendon in his right knee suffered in September 2024. The German goalkeeper, who has undergone surgery three times for this ailment, is confident he will be ready in the coming weeks to face the decisive stretch of the season.
Szczesny Has Exceeded All Expectations
However, his return poses a dilemma for Hansi Flick. Wojciech Szczesny, signed as an emergency solution, has exceeded all expectations.
The Polish goalkeeper has played 21 matches with Barça, keeping a clean sheet 11 times. Conceding only 18 goals, which equates to an average of 0.85 per match. His leadership and charisma have resonated in the locker room, earning the respect of teammates and the coaching staff.
The situation becomes complicated in the Champions League, where only one of the two can be registered. Currently, Szczesny occupies that spot due to Ter Stegen's injury. If Flick decides to reinstate the German as the starter in Europe, he will have to make a change in the registration, which could alter the team's dynamics in a crucial phase of the tournament.
Despite the competition, the relationship between both goalkeepers is cordial. Szczesny has stated: "I came here to replace Marc; I would have no problem if Marc simply came back and took his place." However, his performance and attitude have caused a legitimate debate about who should be the starting goalkeeper in this final stretch of the season.
Hansi Flick's Decision
The club is considering the possibility of renewing Szczesny, recognizing his positive impact both on and off the field. But Flick will have to make a strategic decision that could significantly influence Barça's aspirations in the remaining competitions.
The German coach is clear about it today. Szczesny will finish the season and then leave Barça. It will be then that Ter Stegen can be registered again.
Flick doesn't want to disrupt the harmony that exists in his squad at this moment. The return of Ter Stegen, after seven months of inactivity, would mean a significant alteration in a team that trusts the Polish goalkeeper completely.
The German coach has already communicated this to both. Ter Stegen will have to wait and Szczesny will retire, now definitively, at the end of the season.