Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has expressed full trust in goalkeeper Wojciech Stankowski, confirming that he will be in goal against Atalanta in their upcoming Champions League match.
Flick admitted that choosing Stankowski over Inaki Peña was one of the toughest decisions he has had to make. After Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen, was sidelined with a knee injury in September, the club hastily brought Stankowski in. Despite Stankowski’s return from retirement, Flick had previously placed his trust in Peña.
This year, Stankowski made his debut for Barcelona in a Copa del Rey match, followed by appearances in the Spanish Super Cup semifinals and final, where the team claimed their first trophy of the season by defeating Real Madrid. However, Stankowski received a red card in the final, which caused some concern.
Last week in the Champions League against Benfica, Stankowski’s errors led to two goals conceded by Barcelona, sparking some criticism. Nevertheless, the 34-year-old goalkeeper retained his spot in the starting XI for Barcelona’s La Liga match against Valencia last Sunday.
Ahead of Wednesday’s final group-stage match against Atalanta, which has already secured Barcelona’s spot in the Round of 16, Flick addressed the goalkeeping debate in a press conference, expressing that he does not want any controversy surrounding the position.
“I know what’s happening. When I say something positive about Tek (Stankowski), it might seem like I’m criticizing Inaki. I don’t like that. The decision to choose the goalkeeper is mine. Both are great goalkeepers. We’ve chosen Tek for tomorrow (Wednesday). I always look for the best for the team, and I see this decision in that way, though Inaki is doing very well,” Flick said.
“Making this decision is always difficult. A goalkeeper is such a special position. Since joining Barcelona, this has been one of the toughest decisions I’ve made.”
