Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has spoken about his future at the club and the chances of accepting a no 2 role when Marc Ter Stegen returns to full fitness.
Szczesny, 34, came out of retirement to sign for Barça last October when Ter Stegen injured his knee in a LaLiga fixture against Villarreal.
Ter Stegen was initially expected to miss the rest of the season, but he returned to training ahead of schedule this month and could feature again before the campaign is up.
“Look, I am here this season to replace Marc,” Szczęsny told a news conference ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Borussia Dortmund in Germany.
Wojciech Szczesny acknowledges the fans after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and SL Benfica. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
“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.”
Szczesny joined Barcelona in January and has been able to improve the team. The club are undefeated in their last 24 matches in all competitions, with the former Poland international yet to taste defeat in his 22 appearances for the club.
His contract is due to expire in the summer, but there have been reports he will sign an extension, which would see his battle for the gloves with Ter Stegen run into next season.
