Hansi Flick Confirms Barcelona’s Starting Goalkeeper For Champions League And El Clásico

‎In a surprising decision, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick revealed that Wojciech Szczesny will retain his spot in goal for both Tuesday’s Champions League showdown and the upcoming El Clásico against Real Madrid.

‎This comes despite Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s impressive display in Saturday’s 2-1 win over relegated Real Valladolid.

‎Barcelona’s win extended their lead at the top of La Liga, thanks to second-half goals from Raphinha and Fermin Lopez that overturned the hosts’ initial advantage.

‎Ter Stegen was in excellent form for his first appearance in seven months.

‎”We’ll see about Marc, he did well today, but Szczesny will play in the Champions League and against Real Madrid,” Flick told reporters.

‎The German tactician made nine changes to his starting line-up for the Valladolid game, with Tuesday’s Champions League clash and next weekend’s showdown with Madrid looming large in terms of player fatigue.

‎”I’m not disappointed. When you make that many changes, it’s not easy for the players, they’re young. I believe in them. I have confidence. When there is a lot of rotation, the level is different.

‎”I was able to rest some players and give some minutes to others. It wasn’t easy. There were a few mistakes, quick transitions, but (Ronald) Araujo and (Andreas) Christensen had a good game and Ter Stegen too,” the manager added.

‎Although trailing at half-time, Flick expressed satisfaction with his team’s overall performance.

‎He praised Raphinha and suggested that Fermin Lopez might start against Milan, saying, “He is a player who always has a chance to start and can play in multiple positions.”

‎”The goal is three points and I’m satisfied that we got them. Mission accomplished,” Flick added.