The Germany international has won 17 trophies at the club but is now surplus to requirements
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has said Marc-Andre ter Stegen will have to be the one to decide his future, having dropped to third choice behind Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny.
The 33-year-old German has played for Barcelona since 2014 but was displaced last season when he was injured and Szczesny replaced him, before Garcia was signed in the summer for €25m.
“We spoke about his situation and I respect Marc a lot because he’s a fantastic goalkeeper,” said Flick. “He’s a really good player for us, also a good human for the team, but at the end it’s his decision and he has to decide [his future].”
Ter Stegen has made 422 appearances for Barcelona, winning 17 trophies, but he is now surplus to requirements. Flick indicated that Ter Stegen may not even feature in Tuesday’s Copa del Rey tie away at fourth-tier Guadalajara, as Szczesny will be in goal while Garcia is rested.
“Joan will rest,” Flick said. “But today is not the day to make the decisions [on who will play]. I want to wait until tomorrow. Of course, Marc is a fantastic goalkeeper. In the goal, we have three excellent players. I am really happy about this. But it’s clear what I said before: Joan is No 1. From there, we will see what happens.”
Flick also praised Szczesny for his influence both on and off the pitch.
“Tek [Szczesny] played last season a fantastic season,” Flick said. “We won with him three titles. Also this season, when Joan was injured, he gave us stability. For me, Tek is not only on the pitch, but also in the dressing room, a really important player for us.”
Barcelona won the Copa del Rey last season, beating Madrid at the death, and will be eyeing the trophy again this evening. Flick said his side needed to be disciplined and not underestimate the opposition.
“It’s about the attitude and the mentality we show,” said Flick. “In these matches you have to win. We play in La Liga and we are the favourites, so this is what I want to see from the team. They have to be ready and show our quality on the pitch.”
