Szczesny is the chosen one in goal for Barça: what motives could Flick have?

The overtaking in goal has been consummated. Wojciech Szczesny is "number one" for Hansi Flick and he said it without mincing words in a press conference. After Marc-André Ter Stegen's patellar ligament rupture in his right knee, Iñaki Peña took over and was the starting goalkeeper. Meanwhile, in the offices, FC Barcelona moved in search of an experienced goalkeeper who could compete with the Alicante native or take the position of the injured goalkeeper. 'Tek' ended up being the chosen one, bringing him out of retirement, and he arrived in Barcelona on October 1. Although the youth player began as the bet for the goal, 2025 has brought a non-negotiable change in that position.

During his period as a substitute, the Pole has always been professional, with a very good attitude. He made his debut in the Copa del Rey against Barbastro and kept a clean sheet on a day of little work. His competitor's lateness made him a starter in the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup against Athletic, and he continued in the final against Real Madrid due to his good actions. He ended the match sent off, which meant he could not play against Real Betis in the national cup and he was also not in La Liga against Getafe. However, he has played in 4 consecutive matches, despite having made some important mistakes.

What reasons could Hansi Flick have?

In the same press conference where Flick said that his choice for goalkeeper is the Varssovian, he gave a brief explanation: "I know that 'Tek' is compared to other goalkeepers, I have said it several times, Iñaki is also fantastic. We have chosen 'Tek' precisely because of his personality, his way of doing things, his style as a goalkeeper, how he plays. He has always been very good. Both are great as goalkeepers. And we also have our younger talents, who are doing very well. The decision that has been made is what it is and we have to move forward with it. It has nothing to do with whether it is Iñaki or 'Tek'. It has to do with the perspective of the team and we always decide what is best for the team. That is how I want to do things."

Hansi commented on the reasons for his decision, but did not go into detail about them. However, taking these reasons as a reference and analysing the match situations, a theory can be reached that is probably close to that devised by the Blaugrana staff. He began by talking about personality, an aspect in which the two FC Barcelona goalkeepers are very different. When faced with problems, Peña has been seen to be unmotivated, with his head down. Meanwhile, Szczesny has come out to face the challenge, has smiled and has risen from the ashes, as was seen in the match against Benfica. After making two notable mistakes, he made a vital save from Angel Di Maria at the last minute. A strong character is key for a goalkeeper.

Regarding the way of doing things and playing, as well as the style of goalkeeping, there is also a clear difference. Wojciech is sure of himself and confident, something that is demonstrated in his footwork. He receives the ball, considers the best option, without rushing, and executes it. He has the calmness to take risks, as he is not afraid of making mistakes. For his part, Iñaki is completely different, he is more committed to not making mistakes and to saving the day. Furthermore, despite the fact that the youth player has made important saves, 'Tek' transmits more security, something that positively affects the dynamic of the whole team but, above all, the defenders.

Finally, although he did not mention it in said conference but in others, the ex-Juventus player is a veteran. He is 34 years old and has been the starting goalkeeper at Arsenal, Roma and at the 'Vecchia Signora' itself. He has lived great nights and terrible experiences, which makes him have more knowledge and resources. His competitor is almost a decade younger and has only been Ter Stegen's substitute and has shared the position with Fernando Muslera in his half season on loan at Galatasaray. Notable differences that lead to an important decision.