Iñaki Peña en el duelo entre el FC Barcelona y el Real Madrid en LaLiga EA Sports 2024 25

SZCZESNY IS THE NEW STARTER FOR FLICK

Iñaki Peña and His Stance on Being a Substitute at Barça

Published:27/01/2025 - 18:44h

Updated:27/01/2025 - 18:44h

Wojciech Szczesny has overtaken Iñaki Peña as the goalkeeper for Barça. The Alicante native, however, intends to fight to regain his position

Calendar of FC Barcelona

The match against Valencia put an end to the debate over the goalkeeping position at FC Barcelona. After securing the starting role in the Supercopa de España due to a two-minute delay from Iñaki Peña, Wojciech Szczesny has been practically unmovable for Hansi Flick. The Polish player was only absent against Betis in the Copa del Rey due to suspension, but he has started in the other 5 matches for the culés this 2025.

A surprising decision by Hansi Flick, as the Alicante native had been effectively protecting the Catalan goal since Ter Stegen's injury last October. The German has simply stated that "it's part of football" and, according to 'SPORT', he has not provided any explanation to the blue and garnet '13', who is emotionally affected as he believes there are no sporting reasons to be relegated to the bench.

Iñaki Peña's Stance After Being a Substitute

However, Peña does not intend to lower his head and his intention is to work even harder to regain Hansi Flick's trust and his position between the posts. The goalkeeper waited a long time for his opportunity, and although it has been 'taken away' from him for now, he is willing to be patient to regain the starting role.

On a more positive note, and despite the uncomfortable situation in goal, the relationship between Iñaki and 'Tek' remains excellent. Both players get along very well and the Alicante native holds the Pole in high regard, who has proven to be a '10' teammate even when he wasn't playing as much as he is now. However, football is about constant competition, and the battle for the culé goal is heating up. For now, Szczesny has the advantage.