FLICK SPOKE ABOUT THE TRANSFER MARKET
Hansi Flick settles the debate on Barça's goalkeeping: "For now, Szczesny will play"
Published:28/01/2025 - 15:46h
Updated:28/01/2025 - 15:46h
Hansi Flick appeared before the press ahead of the Barça-Atalanta match. The German confirmed Szczesny as the starter and played coy about the arrival of possible reinforcements
The FC Barcelona will conclude its participation in the group stage of the Champions League this coming Wednesday against Atalanta at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. In the lead-up to a match that could be decisive for the aspirations of the culés to finish as leaders of the standings, Hansi Flick addressed the media in a press conference.
Regarding the duel with 'La Dea', the German stated that "I have great respect for Gasperini and his work at Atalanta. He has been there for many years and what he has done is incredible. I admire his way of playing because it is unique in Europe. They play very well, score a lot... they have courage. We will have to play with tension".
"They play one-on-one all over the field. It is not easy to play that way; you are under pressure. And then they run quickly in transitions. We have to be prepared for that. I have been talking to the players about it and I hope they are able to make good decisions", added the coach about what awaits his Barça against the Italians.
Furthermore, he maintained that the absence of Ademola Lookman could be felt by the 'nerazzurri'. "When you miss such an important player, it affects. But Gasperini knows his team very well and I don't think he will change his style much. He has very well-trained automatons and I don't think he will change his plan much", he stated.
Szczesny is the starter for Barça
However, the most significant moment of Flick's appearance came when he finally 'settled' the debate on the blue-and-claret goalkeeping position. "We have decided on Tek for the match against Atalanta. I always try to look for the best for the team and I think this is it for now, despite Iñaki Peña having done very well", the culé coach began.
"It's football and for now, Tek will play"
"The goalkeeper is a special position in all teams and it has been a very difficult decision, but I am here to make decisions and I have done so. It's football and for now, Tek will play", continued the German, who also wanted to highlight the good performance shown by Iñaki Peña during the time he has played.
"I know that when I say something good about Tek, it seems like I undermine Iñaki Peña, and that is not the case. I don't like that. Both are very good goalkeepers. We are lucky to have two great goalkeepers and I have to decide because it is my job and that is what I have done", he expressed.
The renewal of Frenkie de Jong and possible signings
When asked about the situation of Frenkie de Jong and his possible renewal with Barça, Flick commented that "we are working on what is happening now. The other is Deco's job. I am happy with him, what I want from him is for his performance to be good and I think he is doing well now".
Additionally, he deflected questions after being asked about the possible arrival of reinforcements before the closing of the winter transfer window on February 3. "I think you know better than I do how the market is. I am happy with the team, the atmosphere, the quality of the players... I believe that with this squad we can achieve many successes", he commented.
The return to Camp Nou and Barça's main objective this season
Flick also spoke about the possible return to Spotify Camp Nou this season, as in recent hours information has emerged that the blaugrana board is confident of returning next month of May. "I haven't paid attention, to be honest. They will tell me when we move. For now, we are in Montjuïc. This is our situation", the coach limited himself to saying.
"We want to win this Wednesday to finish second"
Finally, the German made it clear what the main objective of Barça this season is, surprising by stating that he hopes to finish the group stage of the Champions in second place. "For me, the league is the most important to win in a complete season. The Champions is the toughest competition to win. We want to win this Wednesday to finish second, which would leave us in a good position for the next phase", he concluded.