Barcelona is preparing for a hectic schedule following the current international break. The German coach recognizes that succeeding in the upcoming La Liga and Champions League matches could bring the team close to a significant title this season. The Catalan club currently leads La Liga with 24 points after nine matches, three points ahead of their traditional rivals, Real Madrid.
According to El Nacional, IΓ±aki PeΓ±a missed a crucial chance to prove himself at Barcelona and demonstrate his readiness for a key role. Last season, he developed a negative reputation due to inconsistent performances, allowing many goals during matches when Marc-AndrΓ© ter Stegen was unavailable.
He had the opportunity to silence his critics and earn Hansi Flickβs trust but fell short, leading Joan Laporta and Deco to urgently decide to sign a new goalkeeper before January, as the current captain is not expected to return this season.
The report also stated that Flick supported Xavi Hernandez’s decision not to view PeΓ±a as a viable starter at Camp Nou, citing a lack of necessary skills and standards. Trust in the locker room was low, with a teammate suggesting they seek another goalkeeper and acting as an intermediary to facilitate the transfer.
Weβre discussing Robert Lewandowski, who readily supported Barcelonaβs move to sign his fellow Pole, Wojciech Szczesny, with whom he has built a strong rapport through years of playing together on the national team.
Laporta and Deco opted for Szczesny, a former player for Roma and Arsenal, instead of other candidates like Edgar BadΓa, Jordi Masip, Claudio Bravo, or Keylor Navas.
Itβs clear that IΓ±aki PeΓ±a will not regain his starting position, as the club has confirmed Szczesnyβs signing. He has started training under Flick and is expected to make his debut as a starter in the upcoming match against Sevilla.
