Wojciech Szczęsny said he would respect Hansi Flick’s decision if Marc-André ter Stegen returned as Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper.
The two goalkeepers were competing for the shirt as Ter Stegen worked his way back from the serious knee injury he suffered in September 2024.
Ter Stegen’s return puts the goalkeeper spot in focus
Szczęsny joined Barcelona after coming out of retirement to cover for the injured captain. By April 2025, Ter Stegen had returned to training and a decision on the starting role was approaching.
Speaking in Dortmund before Barcelona’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Borussia Dortmund, Szczęsny said he had always understood why the club signed him.
He wanted to continue in the competition but said he would accept whatever Flick decided. Szczęsny also dismissed any suggestion of tension between him and Ter Stegen.
When asked to compare the two, Szczęsny refused. He said Ter Stegen had performed at the highest level for years and remained among the world’s best goalkeepers when fully fit.
Flick refuses to name his first choice
Flick was asked whether Szczęsny would keep his place for the rest of the season, but the Barcelona coach left the competition open.
“Anything can happen in football. I can’t give you a 100% answer,” Flick said.
Szczęsny’s contract ran to the end of the season. He said he would not spend energy discussing his future while Barcelona were still chasing major trophies.
From retirement to a Champions League run
Barcelona travelled to Dortmund with a 4-0 lead from the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, but Szczęsny warned that the tie was not finished.
“Everyone thinks this is over but it is not,” he said. “If we let them, they have a chance.”
The goalkeeper also reflected on the speed of his return to the top level. “Months ago I was retired and now I am playing in one of the best teams in Europe,” he said. “My dream has been to win the Champions League and I hope it comes true.”
Alejandro Balde missed the trip through injury, while Dani Olmo returned to Barcelona’s squad.
