The experienced goalkeeper of FC Barcelona, Wojciech Szczesny, took advantage of the second international break of the season to present his documentary on the Amazon Prime Video platform. During the premiere of the material that summarizes his more than two decades of professional career, the Pole surprised with some statements about Joan García.

With the injury of the player from Sallent, 'Tek' has returned to the Barça goal in the last three matches (two in La Liga and one in the Champions League). However, the 35-year-old goalkeeper is very clear about what his role will be in 25/26. Despite having renewed for two seasons last July, until the summer of 2027, the player from Warsaw seems resigned to being a substitute at Barça.

Szczesny 'hands over' the responsibility of stopping shots in the Clásico to Joan García

First, Szczesny did not hold back in his praise for his colleague. García has shown a remarkable level in his first seven games of the season, beyond a mistake in Oviedo that cost a goal for the home team.

"He will probably end up being the best goalkeeper in the world. He has incredible potential and just feeling like I can be part of the growth process of this exceptional talent will satisfy me," 'Tek' began by saying. The Pole came out of retirement in October 2024 to end up being Barça's starting goalkeeper in the second half of 24/25.

In that regard, the experienced goalkeeper did not hesitate to wish Joan a speedy recovery, in addition to 'handing over' the position with the first Clásico of the season in mind, on October 26 against Real Madrid.

"I sincerely wish him a speedy recovery. And I'm not counting on playing the Clásico," Wojciech stated in an interview for the Polish portal 'WP SportoweFakty'.

In principle, Joan García is not ruled out for the match against Madrid, but it will be very difficult for him to be ready. The Catalan goalkeeper underwent surgery on September 27 for a tear of the internal meniscus in his left knee. His recovery time was estimated at four to six weeks, which means he would arrive at the Bernabéu with just one month of recovery.

Hansi Flick will not take risks with Joan García in the Clásico

Joan García warming up with Barça.

Therefore, the most likely scenario is that Hansi Flick will opt for Szczesny for the visit to Real Madrid, although the Pole's statements could be interpreted as lacking competitiveness.

Beyond respect for his colleague, 'Tek' must focus on performing at his best when it's his turn and leave the decision of who will be the Barça '1' for the rest of the season to the coaching staff.

Logically, the club is backing Joan García to take ownership of the Azulgrana goal in the long term, but the idea is to give opportunities to both goalkeepers according to their physical condition and daily performance.

For 'Tek', his first three matches of the 25/26 season have not been easy. The Pole has yet to keep a clean sheet and has conceded 7 goals, although he has recorded 7 saves in these appearances (he made 5 against PSG).

Last season, against Real Madrid, he conceded 6 goals in 3 Clásicos, but Barça always defeated the 'merengues' with the man from Warsaw in goal. García, meanwhile, has conceded 5 goals in 7 games so far, with 3 clean sheets and 11 saves.