Hansi Flick, blunt about the debate in the culé goal: "'tek' is number one. It is clear"

Hansi Flick appeared at the press conference before the match between FC Barcelona and Valencia CF, for the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey 2024-25, to be held at Mestalla (21:30). One of the topics the German discussed in his media appearance was the debated issue in the Barça goal, between Wojciech Szczęsny and Iñaki Peña.

It is worth remembering that the German coach has recently opted for the inclusion of the experienced Polish goalkeeper as his preferred choice to defend the Blaugrana's goal. However, there was much speculation about whether in the Copa del Rey Hansi Flick would give the Alicante goalkeeper the opportunity to regain the starting position. An issue that the Heidelberg native has decisively settled: "'Tek' is number one. It's clear".

As a result, the coach of Barça has detailed the reasons why he prefers to continue counting on Wojciech Szczęsny in his starting eleven. "I understand that you compare two players. Iñaki is a fantastic goalkeeper, but we have chosen 'Tek' for his personality and style. He is doing well. Both are great goalkeepers, as are our young talents. The decision is the one we have made and we must stick with it. We always decide for the good of the team and that's how I want to do it," he warned.

"Iñaki is a fantastic goalkeeper, but we have chosen 'Tek'"

Rotations against Valencia CF and the Casadó-De Jong debate

Regarding the match against Valencia CF, Hansi Flick mentioned if, being a cup match, he will consider making rotations. "It is normal for us to think about rotations. We play at 9:30 p.m. and we will not be able to return from Valencia, which will mean we arrive late. Then we have a match in Seville and we have to think about the players. There may be rotations," he emphasized.

At the same time, the Barcelona coach did not want to engage in the discussion about whether he will include in his starting eleven against the 'che s' Marc Casadó or Frenkie de Jong, who has been regaining prominence with very good performances. "You always compare players by position, but it doesn't work like that. We have a match tomorrow and another on Sunday. We will arrive in the early hours and I need all the players. I am happy to have options. Frenkie is a great player, but so is Casadó. It doesn't matter whom I choose, the important thing is the team," he concluded.