Barcelona captain not a part of club’s future plans despite surprise appearance vs Guadalajara | OneFootball

The headline on Tuesday night, when FC Barcelona announced their starting lineup for the Copa del Rey clash against CD Guadalajara, was that Marc-Andre ter Stegen was named in the team ahead of Wojciech Szczesny.

With Joan Garcia rested, it was widely expected that the Polish goalkeeper would take his place in the team.

As such, it came as quite a surprise when Hansi Flick opted to go with Ter Stegen, who had only recently returned to the squad after recovering from back surgery.

No change in Ter Stegen’s situation

Now, according to SPORT, Ter Stegen is not part of Barcelona’s long-term plans despite the fact that he got a start in the Copa del Rey clash on Tuesday.

The decision to start him was taken solely by Hansi Flick, who considered it fair in recognition of the effort the German has made in recent months. But Ter Stegen’s solid minutes and the trust shown by the coach do not alter the club’s roadmap in any way.

As far as Barça are concerned, the 33-year-old club captain does not feature prominently in the club’s future plans.

So, it will be up to the goalkeeper himself to define the next steps in his career, with a possible exit in January or an almost certain one next summer.

Unexpected appearance

As per the report, not even Ter Stegen himself expected to play in the cup tie, judging by the conversation he had with Flick a few days earlier.

Future uncertain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

The coach thanked him for his professionalism, but once again made his situation clear: Joan Garcia is and will remain the first-choice goalkeeper this season and in the coming years, and Ter Stegen’s chances of playing are minimal.

This is a sporting decision taken by both the coaching staff and the club to consolidate their project.

So, his appearance on Tuesday came unexpectedly, also being influenced by a leak in the hours before the match, revealing that Szczesny would be the starter in Guadalajara.

Internally, this was received poorly and generated tension that ultimately led to a different line-up.

Ter Stegen, for his part, showed that he is fully recovered and delivered a solid performance.

While the club might have seen it as a good opportunity for their captain to put himself in the shop window ahead of the January window, Ter Stegen, so far, has appeared reluctant to leave.

The club is now waiting for his final decision, but what is clear is that the appearance in the Copa del Rey does not change the scenario in any way.