"The surprise was amplified by Hansi Flick's own words in the build-up. During his pre-match press conference, the Barcelona manager had already confirmed that first-choice goalkeeper Joan Garcia would be rested for the tie. Given that context, the general expectation was clear that Wojciech Szczesny would step in between the posts. That assumption proved wrong. Instead, Flick opted for Ter Stegen."
"According to a detailed report from RAC1, the reasoning has now been clarified. The outlet explains that Flick held a direct conversation with both Szczesny and Ter Stegen before finalising his decision. After those talks, and following discussions with the rest of the coaching staff, the coach agreed to back Ter Stegen for this specific match. The report states that this decision should be understood as a symbolic gesture,"
Barcelona named Marc-André ter Stegen in the starting XI for the Copa del Rey opener, surprising many given expected rotation. Hansi Flick had confirmed Joan Garcia would be rested, so most anticipated Wojciech Szczesny to start. Flick described Ter Stegen's involvement as a one-off selection. Conversations with both Szczesny and Ter Stegen and discussions with coaching staff preceded the decision. The selection was intended as a symbolic gesture to give the captain a platform to demonstrate physical and mental readiness and to potentially open winter-market options for regular playing time ahead of the World Cup. The decision was not intended as a long-term change to the goalkeeper hierarchy.
Read at Barca Universal
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