Diseño sin título (93)

Continuity or change in goal?

Szczesny or Iñaki Peña, the decision that Hansi Flick must make

Published:17/01/2025 - 10:58h

Updated:17/01/2025 - 11:23h

The Alicante native has been the starting goalkeeper after Ter Stegen's injury. However, Tek's good performance in the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup has generated debate

Calendar of FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona will face Getafe at the Coliseum this Saturday at 9pm. After the euphoria of the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey, the Blaugrana team will try to extrapolate those good feelings to La Liga. They will play on a pitch that is not easy but, above all, against an opponent that is not comfortable. A priori, the starting eleven is expected to be practically the best, although the goalkeeping generates some debate.

In principle, the goalkeeper who plays in the domestic competition is Iñaki Peña. However, Szczesny made his debut in the Copa del Rey against Barbastro and did well with the little work he had. He had continuity in the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup due to his teammate being late. Also, after putting in a great performance against Athletic, Flick rewarded him by playing as a starter in the final. In the 'Clásico' he made a grotesque mistake and was sent off, which left him out of the equation for the Cup match against Betis.

"The situation has changed in goal. Szczesny played very well and was nice to watch after the break. He has an incredible mentality and helps everyone a lot, including the goalkeepers. He can play at this level," said Hansi in the run-up to Barça's last game. It was striking that the coach himself reopened the debate on the starting goalkeeper, as he is usually a reserved man when it comes to making up the starting eleven. However, these statements make it plausible that the debate is real.

Until now, the German coach's modus operandi has been to give continuity to his decisions. If he continues, Iñaki Peña will be the starter at the Coliseum against Getafe. However, he may decide to opt for a change of direction given the Pole's great form. Both are goalkeepers capable of defending Barcelona's goal, that's why they are where they are, but only one can play.