Barcelona Goalkeeper Dilemma: Wojciech Szczesny Opens To Role Number 2

Wojciech Szczesny doesn't mind being a backup for Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Instagram/@wojciech.szczesny1).

JAKARTA - Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny said on Monday, April 14, 2025, local time that he would accept being replaced by Marc-Andre ter Stegen if it was coach Hansi Flick's decision when the German international returns to full fitness.

Szczesny, 34, left retirement to join Barcelona in October 2024 when Ter Stegen picked up a knee injury in La Liga's match against Villarreal.

Ter Stegen was originally expected to be out until the end of the season, but he returned to training early this month's schedule and could perform again before the season ended.

"Look, I'm here this season to replace Marc," Szczesny told a news conference ahead of the Champions League quarter-final match against Borussia Dortmund in Germany on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

"If Marc returns and gets fit, then the coach decides he returns to the net, I agree. However, I want to play."

"If the decision is the opposite, I think Marc will also understand. Right now, there is no competition because Marc has just returned to training."

"He hasn't been fully with the team. If he is available, it will be the coach's decision, not us. We will respect him."

"Nothing is uncomfortable. There is no tension between us. We both want the best results for the team at the crucial stage this season," said Szczesny.

Barcelona's profits have changed drastically since Szczesny first joined the team in January 2025, replacing Inaki Pena.

They were unbeaten in their last 24 matches in all competitions, with the former Polish international yet to lose 22 appearances for the club.

His contract expires in the summer, but there are reports that he will sign a contract extension, which will see his rivalry with Ter Stegen continue into next season.

"We're just going to have a big game from now on until the end of the season. I want to focus on playing football as best I can."

"I don't want to waste energy on contract negotiations or think about my future."

"I want to win every trophy in front of us and hand over contract talks to my club and agent."

"There's a possibility they're talking, but I don't want to hear it," he said.

Barcelona have won the Spanish Super Cup with Szczesny as goalkeepers and the other three trophies can catch up. They were four points ahead of La Liga, stepped into the Copa del Rey final, and had a 4-0 lead ahead of the second leg against Dortmund.