Barcelona Coach Hansi Flick Cuts Vacation Short to Begin Preseason Preparations — Ter Stegen’s Future in Doubt
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has ended his vacation early to resume duties at the Ciutat Esportiva on Friday, signaling the start of preseason preparations for the new campaign. The players are set to undergo medical evaluations and fitness tests on Sunday as the team officially kicks off its pre-season training.
Amid this backdrop, Flick is reportedly preparing to make a bold decision by informing German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen that Joan García will be Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper next season, with Wojciech Szczęsny as his main backup. Despite this, Ter Stegen and his representatives remain resolute in their desire to stay at the club and fight for his position, both publicly and privately.
This will mark one of Flick’s most challenging decisions since taking over as manager. He is expected to personally meet with Ter Stegen to communicate that he is no longer part of the club’s future plans—a conversation that will be difficult but essential for clarifying the goalkeeper’s role amidst increasing internal competition.
Joan García’s arrival is viewed as a strategic investment in Barcelona’s long-term future. The young keeper is praised for his quick reflexes, agility, strong technical skills, and energy—traits that align well with Flick’s tactical style.
Meanwhile, despite nearly a decade of service to the club, Ter Stegen is believed to have lost the board’s confidence. Factors such as recurring injuries, a high salary, and reported issues in communication with some teammates have contributed to the belief that his time at Barcelona may be nearing its end.
