Hansi Flick Supports Szczesny After Smoking Joke Before Barcelona vs Real Madrid

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick praised goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny’s calm personality and said he wants the Polish international to stay. This comes after he joked about Szczesny’s unusual smoking habit. These comments came as Barcelona prepare for the next El Clásico against Real Madrid.

FLICK PRAISES SZCZESNY BEFORE CLÁSICO

“I’m happy with Szczesny, I’d like him to stay, and I think he’s happy in Barcelona too!” said Flick in the press conference. The manager’s lighthearted comment about Szczesny’s smoking became a talking point. Flick observed, “You know he smokes a little, which I’ve never seen before… but well, he’s at the right age and he’s calmer!” Flick confirmed Szczesny will start in the next match, highlighting his positive influence since joining Barcelona after Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury. Szczesny has started every game under Flick in 2025 whenever available, making key saves and helping Barcelona remain competitive in La Liga.

BIGGER PICTURE: BARCELONA’S SEASON AND NEXT CLÁSICO

Barcelona’s campaign has seen highs and lows, with Szczesny’s arrival offering stability during a challenging period. The team is currently aiming for a strong finish in La Liga, and the pressure is heightened with the upcoming Clásico. Flick called La Liga “the most honest title” and stressed the importance of giving “100 percent” in matches like these. Real Madrid, their next opponents, are among the league’s top teams, and the match set for Montjuïc will be crucial for both sides’ ambitions. Barcelona’s position in the table, and their distance to teams above and below them, will be heavily influenced by the result of this derby.

WHAT NEXT FOR SZCZESNY AND BARCELONA?

Szczesny’s future at Barcelona is uncertain, especially with Ter Stegen nearing a return. However, Flick’s public support and Szczesny’s performances suggest the Pole could remain important beyond this season. The next focus is on the Clásico, where Szczesny will start in goal. A win would pretty much guarantee their La Liga title, and anything that’s not a loss would leave them in a good position to win the competition. Regardless of what happens after this match, Szczesny’s calm presence and professionalism under challenge have earned him the manager’s trust and the respect of teammates and fans.