The injury to Marc-André Ter Stegen came as a shock to FC Barcelona, who had to scramble to find a replacement in the form of Szczesny, who has enjoyed the trust of Hansi Flick in recent months. Now, six months later, the German goalkeeper’s return is approaching and the question of what will happen at that moment hangs over the Barça team.
Since Hansi Flick put Szczesny in goal, the Polish goalkeeper’s performance seems to have no limits. Saturday’s was his twelfth clean sheet of the season. Szczesny was at times a mere spectator against a Dortmund side that didn’t give him much work due to Barça’s dominance, but he was able to respond with 3 saves in 90 minutes. In Butarque they were also unable to break down his wall as Barça won 0-1.
Szczesny is just two games away from equaling Ter Stegen’s record for the most consecutive games without losing for Barça. The German accumulated 24 consecutive games without defeat between October 4, 2022 and February 26, 2023. Szczesny can make it 23 consecutive games without a loss for the team this Tuesday against Borussia Dortmund.
Hansi Flick is cautious
Flick was asked whether the Polish goalkeeper Szczesny would retain his place between now and the end of the season, bearing in mind that Ter Stegen is closer to returning and has already said he wants to play before the end of the season. “In football, many things can change very quickly, anything can happen, so I can’t give a 100% answer,” Flick said at the start.
However, the Barça coach made clear the blind faith they have in Szczesny. “What I can say is that he is very important for the team and that our goalkeepers get on very well, they support each other a lot every day, so that each one improves every day and that is something I love,” he said.
Szczesny sends a clear message
Szczesny is occupying the German’s place in the competition and should free it up so that Ter Stegen can play in Europe. Asked about this situation in the run-up to the quarter-final second leg, the Polish goalkeeper was clear in his response.
“I think I’m here this season to replace Marc. If Marc is back and fit and the coaches decide to put me back in goal, I’ll be fine with that. Having said that, I want to play in this competition, of course. I hope that if the decision goes the other way, Marc will understand too. We have a great relationship and whatever happens is Hansi’s decision and we will respect it,” Szczesny said.
Szczesny insisted that “Marc is very good and it makes no sense to make comparisons” and had words of praise for his teammate after his return to training with the group. “He is returning to training after a very serious injury and the truth is that when he is 100% recovered there won’t be many goalkeepers at his level. Right now Marc is only focused on getting back to training. We understand the situation very well and there is no tension between us. Whatever happens we will understand and respect each other. We both want what’s best for the team,” added the Pole.