Szczesny talks Flick, Garcia, Lamine, Ter Stegen, Lewandowski, contract situation | OneFootball

During the ongoing international break, Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny spoke to Mundo Deportivo, sharing his thoughts on the club, his role, and the development of young talents like Joan Garcia and Lamine Yamal.

The 35-year-old Pole returned to the starting lineup due to Garcia’s injury and is set to start against Girona, while hoping for Garcia’s quick recovery for the El Clasico on October 26.

Szczesny praised his fellow goalkeeper and clarified his approach to the competition for the starting spot.

“I hope they don’t have to see me because I want Joan to recover quickly from his injury.

“I know what my role is this season, and for me, my greatest achievement will be for Joan Garcia to have a great and successful season, so for my part, there’s no competition, no rivalry between us.”

On the recent form

Reflecting on the team’s recent struggles, where Barcelona lost consecutive games, Szczesny admitted,

Szczesny admitted Barcelona were the second best. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“We’re not in great form. We played well against PSG, but we were up against a great team that will fight for every title this season.

“They were two bad results. We played very poorly against Sevilla, but in situations like these, it’s important to stay calm.”

Analysing the matches individually, he added, “They were two completely different matches. PSG were better than us, more precise, fresher, and tactically very good.

“On the other hand, in Seville, we didn’t give 100%. The first half was terrible, a terrible match.

“It’s a little worrying, but it’s important to understand that this season won’t be all easy, that we have to be focused and do much better.”

When asked about manager Hansi Flick’s reaction, he said, “He wasn’t happy, obviously, because if you’re the Barça coach and you lose two games in three days, it’s not the best scenario.

Observations on defenders

Szczesny also shared his perspective on working with different centre-back pairs at Barcelona.

He was asked if he felt any difference in working with different pairs, to which he explained,

“I don’t think it’s a big difference for me. I try to work with the defenders, no matter who’s playing in the game.

“I think having very different types of centre-backs is an advantage because sometimes, you have games where you know you’re going to have more control of the ball, and you want players who are more comfortable on the ball.”

Regarding Barça’s risky style and Champions League prospects, he said, “I think we proved last season what our system can offer us.

“Yes, it is risky, but when we play at our highest level, there aren’t many teams that can compete with us, but we have to be at our highest level.

“That’s why, although losing the game against Sevilla is painful, it’s a good lesson because you have to understand that it can become embarrassing if you don’t do things right.”

On Joan Garcia and Lamine Yamal

Szczesny praised Joan Garcia. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

On Joan Garcia’s potential, Szczesny said, “I don’t want to speak too highly of him because he still has a lot of work ahead of him, but, from a physical point of view, he’s already among the best in the world.”

Szczesny even compared his role with Garcia to his own time learning from Gianluigi Buffon.

“I think, after that experience of having someone who was the best for me, I feel I have an obligation to reciprocate to Joan.

“He probably can’t learn as much from me as I can from Gigi, but the process is quite similar.”

He also offers guidance to other young players like Lamine Yamal, stating that he must continue to enjoy his natural game.

“I think Lamine is at a point in his career where he has to enjoy the game, and that’s definitely the most important thing.

“I was 18 at one point, and I remember that what you think at 18 is completely different than when you’re over 30, for example.

“With his quality, with his talent, if he doesn’t lose his passion for the game and stays professional, obviously, that’s a given.

“He will be hugely successful because nothing’s stopping him from being the best player in the world.”

On Ter Stegen’s situation

On his teammate Marc Ter Stegen, Szczesny shared that he understands the German is in a tricky situation.

Szczesny also reflected on Ter Stegen’s situation. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

In fact, he stated that he experienced a similar moment during his tenure with Juventus, which forced him into retirement.

“I don’t think it’s a pleasant situation. I was in the same situation with Juventus and decided to retire from football.

“I don’t advise the same thing to Marc, because he still has a lot to contribute to football, but I think sometimes, in this job, you have to accept that some decisions hurt you.

“It must be frustrating for him after being such an important player for so many years, but Marc is a very intelligent guy, and I think he understands.

“We spoke a lot this summer, and I think he understands. The most important thing for him now is to get back into shape, because he missed the entire last year.”

Finally, when asked if he would fulfil his contract, Szczesny said, “I don’t know. I think, given the structure of the contract, we have both options.

“So far, I don’t feel any frustration. I only have positive emotions, so it’s not a problem.”

And when asked about Lewandowski’s contract, he added, “I think it depends on how the season goes, how he feels physically and mentally.

“I would never doubt that Robert, at 34, 37, or 45, can be an important player and score goals. I’m sure he’ll make an honest decision based on how he feels,” he concluded.