Veteran goalkeeper hopes first-choice Joan Garcia will be fit enough to play against Real Madrid
Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has said he does not expect to play in October’s clásico, insisting he hopes Joan Garcia will recover in time to feature.
The 35-year-old Pole has started in recent weeks following Garcia’s knee injury but has always made it clear his role is to support the first-choice goalkeeper, rather than take centre-stage himself.
“I wish him a quick recovery, and honestly, I don’t expect to play in el clásico at all,” Szczesny said.
“I value the clarity of my relationship with Joan. He knows exactly what my role is and I want to influence his performance.
“I have no doubt about who will be, and who should be, Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper.”
Garcia joined Barcelona from Espanyol in the summer and has had a flying start. He has made several impressive saves, especially against Rayo Vallecano, when his performance earned the Catalans an unlikely point.
“I think he’s a guy with great potential,” said Szczesny. “I can honestly say that I can help him a little. I take this role very seriously.
“I don’t want anyone to have any doubts. There will never be competition for the number one spot here.”
Szczesny stepped out of retirement to join Barcelona in 2024. He helped the Catalan side to a domestic treble after an injury to Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Inaki Pena’s falling out of favour suddenly left him as the first choice in goal.
He extended his Barcelona contract by another year last summer, but that was after the club had signed Garcia and Flick had explained to the veteran Pole that he would play a reduced role and use his experience to guide the youngster.
Despite being the backup, Szczesny stressed he does not let it affect his mentality and he remains prepared to step in at any time.
“I know it sounds cliche, but my preparation for a match does not depend on whether I play or not. I try to be ready for every opportunity,” said Szczesny.
“I expected to be the second goalkeeper, but that carries the risk of having to start in goal at any moment, and you have to be aware of that.”
