"Marc-Andre ter Stegen's inclusion in Hansi Flick's starting XI against Guadalajara was not just unexpected for fans. It came as a genuine shock within the club itself. In the build-up to the Copa del Rey tie, everything pointed towards Wojciech Szczesny being given the nod between the posts. Instead, when the team sheet dropped, it was the German goalkeeper's name that stood out, not in a routine way."
"Members of Barcelona's management and executive team were reportedly caught off guard, sensing that something had shifted from the agreed plan without prior clarity. The assumption inside the club had been clear for days that Szczesny would start, continuing a carefully managed transition in the goalkeeping department. That internal belief was tied closely to Barcelona's strategy. The thinking was that if Joan Garcia is viewed as Flick's number one, and Ter Stegen is no longer part of the long-term starting picture, then clarity was essential."
"Flick's decision to start Ter Stegen disrupted that stand. After the match, the Barcelona coach attempted to downplay the significance of the call, insisting that the decision applied only to that specific game. However, within the club, the situation is being watched closely. There is a strong awareness of Ter Stegen's character and influence. Barcelona know that once the German sets his mind on something, he can be persistent."
Hansi Flick started Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the Copa del Rey tie against Guadalajara, contrary to expectations that Wojciech Szczesny would start. The decision surprised Barcelona's management and executive team, who believed Szczesny had been designated to continue a managed goalkeeping transition. Club strategy aimed to limit Ter Stegen's involvement to encourage him to seek a January move if Joan Garcia was to be Flick's long-term number one. Flick described the selection as specific to that match, but the club remains wary because Ter Stegen's influence and persistence could lead him to push for more appearances, potentially undermining plans to persuade him to depart.
Read at Barca Universal
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