Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny said he would accept a backup role to Marc-Andre ter Stegen if that’s what coach Hansi Flick decides.
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Szczesny open to backing up Ter Stegen
Szczesny, 34, came out of retirement to sign for Barca last October after Ter Stegen suffered a knee injury in a LaLiga match against Villarreal.
Ter Stegen was initially expected to miss the rest of the season.
However, he returned to training ahead of schedule this month and could feature again before the campaign ends.
Szczesny told reporters ahead of Barca’s Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Borussia Dortmund in Germany that he will respect Flick’s decision.
“Look, I am here this season to replace Marc,” he said.
“If Marc is back and fit and the coach decides he’s back in goal, I am fine with it. But I want to play. If the decision is the other way, I think Marc will understand too.”
“At this moment, there is no competition because Marc is only coming back to training. He’s not fully with the team. When he is available, it will be the coach’s decision, not ours, and we will respect it.”
“It’s not uncomfortable. There’s no tension between us. We both want the best outcome for the team at this crucial stage of the season.”
Great replacement
Barca’s fortunes have changed dramatically since Szczesny stepped in for Iñaki Peña back in January.
They are unbeaten in their last 24 matches across all competitions, with the former Poland international yet to experience defeat in his 22 appearances for the Catalan club.
His contract is set to expire this summer, but reports suggest he will sign an extension.
“We have only big games from now until the end of the season and I want to focus on playing the best football I can,” he added.
“I don’t want to lose energy on contract negotiations or contemplating my future.
“I want to win every trophy in front of us and leave the contract talks to the club and my agent. There is a chance they are talking, but I don’t want to hear it.”
