DORTMUND, GERMANY — With Barcelona flying high and inching closer to a Champions League semifinal, veteran goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has made it clear: when Marc-André ter Stegen is fully fit, the final say on who stands between the posts belongs to Hansi Flick.
Szczesny, 34, answered the club’s call in October after Ter Stegen suffered a knee injury against Villarreal. Originally expected to miss the season, the German international has made a rapid recovery and returned to training this month, casting new light on Barcelona’s goalkeeping hierarchy.
“I’m here this season to replace Marc,” Szczesny said on Monday, ahead of Barça’s Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Borussia Dortmund. “If the coach decides Marc is back in goal, I’m fine with it. But of course, I want to play.”
“There’s no tension between us. We both want what’s best for the team, especially at this stage of the season.”
The former Juventus and Arsenal keeper has yet to lose in 22 appearances for Barça, helping extend the team’s unbeaten run across all competitions to 24 matches. His performances have reignited discussions around a potential contract extension beyond the summer.
“I’m focused on winning trophies right now. I’m not spending energy thinking about my future or contract talks,” he added. “There’s a chance discussions are happening, but I don’t want to hear it.”
Szczesny’s short-term impact has already paid off—Barcelona lifted the Spanish Supercopa with him in net, and they now eye a possible treble. They sit four points clear in LaLiga, are through to the Copa del Rey final, and hold a commanding 4-0 advantage over Dortmund heading into Tuesday’s clash.
“I was on the beach not too long ago, not even sure I wanted to play again,” Szczesny admitted. “Now I’m with, in my view, the best team in Europe. I missed the feeling of winning—the locker room, the rhythm, the fight. I want to take this chance and do something truly special.”
Barcelona will be without Alejandro Balde, who picked up a hamstring injury at the weekend, but Dani Olmo returns to the squad.
Coach Hansi Flick, while pleased with the first-leg margin, is urging his players to stay sharp.
“We never take any game lightly,” Flick said. “Dortmund are strong at home and they have dangerous players. We want to deliver our best, for the fans at home, and those traveling with us.”
“We’re proud of the 4-0 lead, but the job’s not done. We want to show what this team is capable of—again.”
As Barcelona steps onto the Westfalenstadion pitch with one foot in the semifinal, their veteran keeper is living a footballing second wind. Whether his role continues through the final whistle of the season—or hands back the gloves to Ter Stegen—remains Flick’s call.
But for Szczesny, the mission is clear: finish strong, win big, and chase the one trophy that’s eluded him his entire career.
