{"id":61631,"date":"2025-10-08T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-08T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/weisetech.dev\/fc-barcelona-noticias\/en\/szczesny-hopes-joan-garcia-starts-in-clasico_314976_102\/"},"modified":"2026-04-06T16:35:49","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T14:35:49","slug":"szczesny-hopes-joan-garcia-starts-in-clasico_314976_102","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fcbarcelonanoticias.com\/en\/laliga\/szczesny-hopes-joan-garcia-starts-in-clasico_314976_102.html","title":{"rendered":"Szczesny’s surprising message about Joan Garc\u00eda: “I’m not counting on playing the Cl\u00e1sico”"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wojciech Szczesny opened up about his competition with Joan Garc\u00eda at Barcelona. The Polish player praised the player from Sallent and, clearly, seems to have no intention of fighting for the starting position this season<\/h2> \r\n
\r\n \r\n \r\n Calendar of FC Barcelona <\/a>\r\n<\/div>

The experienced goalkeeper of FC Barcelona<\/strong>, Wojciech Szczesny<\/strong>, took advantage of the second international break of the season to present his documentary on the Amazon Prime Video<\/strong> 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 Garc\u00eda<\/strong>.<\/p>

With the injury of the player from Sallent, ‘Tek’ has returned to the Bar\u00e7a 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<\/a>, until the summer of 2027, the player from Warsaw seems resigned to being a substitute at Bar\u00e7a.<\/p>

Szczesny ‘hands over’ the responsibility of stopping shots in the Cl\u00e1sico to Joan Garc\u00eda<\/h2>

First, Szczesny did not hold back in his praise for his colleague. Garc\u00eda 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.<\/p>

“He will probably end up being the best goalkeeper in the world<\/strong>. He has incredible potential and just feeling like I can be part of the growth process of this exceptional talent will satisfy me<\/strong>,” ‘Tek’ began by saying. The Pole came out of retirement in October 2024 to end up being Bar\u00e7a’s starting goalkeeper in the second half of 24\/25.<\/p>

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 Cl\u00e1sico of the season<\/a> in mind, on October 26 against Real Madrid.<\/p>

“I sincerely wish him a speedy recovery. And I’m not counting on playing the Cl\u00e1sico<\/strong>,” Wojciech stated in an interview for the Polish portal ‘WP SportoweFakty’.<\/p>

In principle, Joan Garc\u00eda 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<\/a> 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 Bernab\u00e9u with just one month of recovery.<\/p>

Hansi Flick will not take risks with Joan Garc\u00eda in the Cl\u00e1sico<\/h2>
\"Will
Joan Garc\u00eda warming up with Bar\u00e7a.<\/div> <\/div> <\/div>

Therefore, the most likely scenario is that Hansi Flick will opt for Szczesny for the visit to Real Madrid<\/strong>, although the Pole’s statements could be interpreted as lacking competitiveness.<\/p>

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 Bar\u00e7a ‘1’ for the rest of the season to the coaching staff.<\/p>

Logically, the club is backing Joan Garc\u00eda 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.<\/p>

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<\/strong>, although he has recorded 7 saves in these appearances (he made 5 against PSG).<\/p>

Last season, against Real Madrid, he conceded 6 goals in 3 Cl\u00e1sicos<\/strong>, but Bar\u00e7a always defeated the ‘merengues’ with the man from Warsaw in goal. Garc\u00eda, meanwhile, has conceded 5 goals in 7 games so far, with 3 clean sheets and 11 saves.<\/p>