Hansi Flick clarifies Barcelona goal scenario, sets hierarchy

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick objectively addressed Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s situation in the team. During a press conference held this Monday (15), the German leader reinforced that Joan García is, for the moment, the team’s starting goalkeeper and stressed that it is up to the experienced goalkeeper to define the next steps in his career.

At 33, Ter Stegen is going through a period of instability, the German only featured in nine matches last season due to a serious knee injury and also missed the start of the current season after undergoing back surgery. Although he has been physically recovered since the beginning of the month and has already been linked again, he has remained on the bench in the last two matches, overtaken by Joan García, recruited last summer by Espanyol for 25 million euros.

Asked about the possibility of the goalkeeper looking for a way out in the January window to earn more minutes and defend his chances of being called up to Germany’s squad for next year’s World Cup, Flick was assertive. “It’s his decision,” he said. “We talked about his situation and I respect Marc a lot, because he’s a fantastic goalkeeper. He’s a very important player for us and also a great person in the group. But ultimately it’s his decision, he has to decide.”

Although he has a long history at the club, his history carries little weight in the current scenario. Hired in 2014 after distinguishing himself at Borussia Mönchengladbach, Ter Stegen played 422 matches and won 17 titles with Barcelona. Even so, his presence is not confirmed in the clash next Tuesday (16), against Guadalajara, a fourth division team, in the Copa del Rey.

For the match, Joan García should not be used, as he will be rested before the match on Sunday (21), against Villarreal, in LALIGA. Flick avoided confirming who will start in goal. “Joan is going to rest, but today is not the day to make this decision. I want to wait until tomorrow,” he explained. “Of course, Marc is a fantastic goalkeeper. We have three great options for this position, and that makes me very happy. Let’s see what happens. But of course, what I said before: Joan is number 1.”

Besides García and Ter Stegen, the team has Wojciech Szczesny, who also received praise from the coach for his recent performance and his influence on the group. “Tek had a fantastic season last year, we won three titles with him. This season, when Joan was injured, he gave us stability. For me he is important not only on the pitch, but also in the dressing room.”

Current Copa del Rey champions Barcelona make their debut in this year’s edition in the round of 16 against Guadalajara, who eliminated second division side AD Ceuta to advance in the tournament. Having a good time in La Liga, with seven wins in a row and four points clear of Real Madrid at the top, Hansi Flick has stressed the need for a serious attitude when facing a lower division opponent.

“It’s all about attitude and mentality. The players know that. It’s about how we start the game, that’s the basis. In games like this you have to win. We are playing against LALIGA, we are the favorites, and that’s what I want to see from the team: that they are ready and that they show our quality on the pitch.”