4Views
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has decided who his goalkeeper will be for two big games. The German manager confirmed Wojciech Szczesny will play in both the Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan and the La Liga match with Real Madrid.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Marc-André ter Stegen recently returned to action after a long injury. Flick chose to keep Szczesny in goal for Barcelona’s most important upcoming matches. Ter Stegen played for the first time in 223 days against Real Valladolid after hurting his knee against Villarreal earlier in the season. Flick is happy to have him back but chose to stick with Szczesny for the important matches coming up.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Szczesny was an emergency signing after Ter Stegen’s injury and initially had trouble claiming the starting spot. But disciplinary issues for Iñaki Peña opened the door during the Spanish Super Cup, and the Polish goalkeeper has now cemented his place in the Barcelona lineup with great performances. Barcelona is just four points ahead of rivals Real Madrid in the La Liga standings, meaning the upcoming El Clasico could help decide the title. Meanwhile, the Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan is Barcelona’s best chance in years to reach the final of Europe’s biggest club competition.
BARCELONA’S GOALKEEPING ROTATION
Flick has rotated his goalkeepers since Ter Stegen’s return. While confirming Szczesny will play in the Champions League, the Barcelona coach said Ter Stegen may play more in La Liga. The German played against Real Valladolid despite Sevilla’s injury, making important saves in the second half as Barcelona completed a comeback win. Flick praised Ter Stegen’s performance after the game, especially highlighting his strong showing in the second half.
WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?
Barcelona faces a key stretch that could shape their season. The first leg of the Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan takes place this week, followed by the massive El Clasico against Real Madrid later this month. Adding to the significance of this period, reports suggest Barcelona plans to confirm Flick’s contract extension after Inter but before Real Madrid. The club is also hopeful that star striker Robert Lewandowski, who is recovering from injury, may be fit enough to return for the European fixture, with a decision expected in the next 24 hours.
