Wojciech Szczesny on lack of minutes at Barcelona
Wojciech Szczesny on lack of minutes at Barcelona. Ex-Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has insisted that he’s happy to deputise Inaki Pena while Barcelona are “working well.”
The ex-Poland international retired from football aged just 34 after he was informed by long-term employers Juventus that they would not be renewing his deal in Turin, leading to the mutual termination of his contract with the club.
But, following Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s season-ending injury suffered in a win over Villarreal at the end of September, Szczesny was quickly identified as a potential short-term replacement and was was coaxed out of retirement soon after putting pen to paper on a deal at the start of October.
Despite being widely expected to take over the starting role in Ter Stegen’s absence, Szczesny is yet to play a single minute of football for Barcelona, with Inaki Pena being preferred by Hansi Flick in recent weeks.
Speaking to Eleven Sports about his lack of game time in Catalunya, the Polish goalkeeper admitted that he understands Flick’s decision due to Barca’s fantastic recent form:
“Inaki Pena has not given him any reason to leave him on the bench. We have talked a lot. I’ve already told the coach that I’m 100%, but the team is working well. If it’s not broken, don’t touch it.”
Barcelona have been arguably the best team in Europe during the 2024/25 season thus far under Flick. Barca currently sit atop of the La Liga standings having rather remarkably won nine of their first ten league games, taking that fine form to the continent this past week as well by thumping Bayern Munich 4-1 in the UEFA Champions League.
Flick’s side will be hoping to continue with that fine form this weekend, when they face off against arch rivals Real Madrid in El Clasico.
