A few weeks ago, FC Barcelona was celebrating three titles, but now that is all in the past and the main focus is on trimming the squad and signing several reinforcements to improve the performance of a team that has been close to perfection this season but needs alternatives. Deco’s work in the boardroom will have to be approved by Hansi Flick, who will also have to make some important decisions.
The goalkeeper position, a hot potato for Flick
One of the hottest topics at Barça at the moment, and one in which the German coach will play a key role, is the goalkeeper position. Hansi Flick already had to make several crucial decisions on this issue during the season. First, he sent Iñaki Peña to the bench when Szczesny came in and became his number one. A number one who did not give up his place even when Ter Stegen returned from injury. At that point, the German continued to put his trust in the Pole until the titles were already guaranteed.
Now the situation is even more complex. While a destination is being sought for Iñaki Peña, who is not in the club’s plans, Joan García has been signed, Szczesny has been renewed, and Ter Stegen’s future is in doubt. It is only a matter of days before the Blaugrana club makes the arrival of the Espanyol goalkeeper official, and then a kind of hunger games will begin with too many roosters in the henhouse.
This situation will require the German coach to make decisions that will inevitably leave some people unhappy. If Joan García has been promised the starting spot in his signing, and if Szczesny has agreed to renew as a substitute, the problem lies with Ter Stegen, who seems to have the door opened for him to leave.
The truth is that the German goalkeeper has not had an easy season, with a serious injury that has kept him out of goal and now leaves his place in the starting line-up in doubt. Flick will have to have a conversation with the player that will not be easy.
Pending conversation with Pablo Torre and Pau Víctor
He will also have to have a conversation with Pablo Torre and Pau Víctor.
Two of the young prospects at Barça who are eager to play more and who have not been given much playing time by the German coach this season. Both are considering leaving, but are waiting to talk to the club to see what the best solution is. Pablo Torre, in particular, has been very critical of the German coach. “I don’t think I was out of place when I was on the field.
These are things that the coach chooses, it’s true that there were no injuries and so it’s also very difficult for him to choose. I respect his decisions, but many times I haven’t understood them. There was a lot of competition and it was difficult to get in, but I think that in that respect it wasn’t fair and I told him that in a conversation I had with him. When I’ve played, I’ve played very well and I think I deserved much more,” he explains.