Just when you think FC Barcelona has got themselves back to being the best clubs in Europe something hinders their progress. This season with the new manager in Hansi Flick, FC Barcelona has been to a flier of a start, and it may very well be injuries that hamper their season beyond repair. Their main man in goal Ter Stegen has been sidelined for the season, and with a very tough string of matches coming up, FC Barcelona need to stay vigilant and field the best players.
But the Blaugrana head coach has shocked everyone with his statement suggesting that their new signing, Wojciech Szczęsny, won’t be the one starting against Bayern Munich in the Champions League midweek. Instead, it will be the 26-year-old Inaki Pena starting in goal for Barca. The former Polish Goalkeeper is the short-term solution in Ter Stegen’s absence and was bought in for the sole purpose of representing Barcelona in important matches like the one against Bayern Munich.
But even with 15-20 days of proper training, it seems like Wojciech Szczęsny is still not ready to be out on the pitch and represent FC Barcelona. While Inaki Pena isn’t that bad of a goalkeeper, he isn’t that good either. Certainly not on the level of Ter Stegen or even a formerly retired Wojciech Szczęsny. Barcelona did not look good last season with Pena in goal. Infact, they conceded 35 goals in the 18 matches Inaki Pena played in the place of Ter Stegen. That’s almost twice the amount of goals than matches played.
Keeping this in mind, many would argue that playing a 90% fit Wojciech Szczęsny should still be the go-to option for Barcelona. Especially considering how important it is to have experienced players for big European nights. Moreover, the match against Bayern would be the perfect scenario to be a part of considering the upcoming game against Real Madrid just 4 days later at the Santiago Bernabeu.
But at the end of the day, Hansi Flick knows his squad the best. And if the head coach says something you need to trust him. Maybe Inaki Pena might turn around the narrative in the big UCL game. But the chances are that the inexperienced lad might make mistakes which go on to cost Barcelona in the end.
