Szczesny talks Lewandowski, Yamal, Messi, contract renewal, Barcelona journey – ‘Don’t want to think’ | OneFootball

Wojciech Szczesny has experienced football at the highest level with clubs like Arsenal, Roma, and Juventus, but his time at Barcelona offers a unique challenge.

While some may compare the stature of clubs like Bayern Munich to Barcelona, the Polish goalkeeper understands that Barcelona stands in a league of its own.

“Lewandowski said Bayern is a big club but can’t be compared to Barcelona.

“After my experiences at Arsenal, Roma, and Juventus, it’s hard for me to say that honestly because I’m focused and don’t feel any pressure related to playing for this club.

“I don’t even feel much attention around me, so it’s really hard to judge. But I suppose Robert wasn’t lying,” said the stopper (h/t FCB World).

On contract renewal

Wojciech Szczesny is not too worried about his renewal. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

At this stage in his career, Szczesny is fully focused on his responsibilities as Barcelona’s goalkeeper. With a demanding schedule that sees the team playing every few days, he prefers not to dwell on matters such as contract extensions.

His only priority is helping the team perform at the highest level, and discussions about his future will take place when the time is right.

“Contract renewal for another year? Right now, this topic is not on the table at all. We play every three days, and I don’t even want to think about it now,” he explained.

Joining Barcelona

Szczesny is ready to play any role. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

He recalls his early days at the club when he spent months on the bench, never allowing frustration to affect his mindset.

Whether he plays or watches from the sidelines, his commitment to the team remains the same. He understands that dwelling on challenges only creates unnecessary problems.

“When I arrived, I spent 3-4 months on the bench, and I had no problem with that. Now I’m playing, and I don’t have a problem either.

“If I sit again, I won’t have an issue. If I admit I have a problem, then it becomes a problem.”

Helping Barcelona

Despite being in the later stages of his career, Szczesny still believes he can contribute at the top level.

His focus is not on proving anything to anyone but on supporting the team in every way possible. He values his role in the squad and aims to make an impact whenever he is called upon.

“I’m at a strange point in my career, where I feel I can still compete at a high level. But I’m not here to prove anything or compete. I just want to help the team in the best way possible.”

Comparison between Messi and Yamal

Szczesny has refused to make comparisons between Messi and Yamal. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Regarding comparisons between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi, Szczesny dismisses the idea that they are alike. He acknowledges Yamal’s immense talent but sees him as a different type of player.

“Do I see similarities between Messi and Lamine Yamal? No, they are completely different players, and there’s no reason to compare them.”

While Messi was known for scoring at an extraordinary rate, Yamal’s strength lies in his ability to influence games through dribbling, vision, and creativity.

“I don’t see Lamine scoring 50 goals a season like Messi, but he’s incredibly dangerous in one-on-one situations. His best trait is his understanding of the game and delivering key passes at the perfect time,” he added.

His journey so far

As for his time at Barcelona, Szczesny believes the true assessment will come at the end of the season. His dream of winning the Champions League is alive once again, and Barcelona’s ambitions align with his own.

With the right mindset and determination, he hopes to make this season one to remember for both himself and the club.

“How would I rate my time at Barcelona? I’ll evaluate that after May 30. Winning the Champions League has always been my dream. For a while, I let go of that dream, but now it’s back,” he noted.