Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia opens up on ter Stegen and Szczesny | OneFootball

FC Barcelona decided to bet on Joan Garcia to be their long-term goalkeeper going forward last summer, and this decision has proved to be quite sound after the completion of the Spaniard’s first year as a starting goalkeeper for the Blaugrana team.

His performances during the last season were so convincing that Luis de la Fuente had no option but to call him up for the World Cup, despite having three other well-established goalies in his Spain squad.

Meanwhile, he has also locked the starting spot at Barcelona, and Hansi Flick has decided to keep Wojciech Szczesny as his backup. This situation leaves other goalkeepers on the Catalan club’s payroll quite uncertain about their future, and two of them, Inaki Pena and Ander Astralaga, have already left the club, while Diego Kochen has also gone on a loan.

For now, the Blaugranes are also looking for a new club for Marc-Andre ter Stegen, with Ajax appearing as a strong contender for his signature.

Meanwhile, as SPORT has noted, Garcia appeared in an interview with RAC1 while being with the Spanish national team, and one of the topics he talked about was that of Ter Stegen. The Spanish goalie was quite clear that a move away remains the best way forward for his teammate:

“I don’t know what the situation is. If all parties believe it’s the best thing for him and for the clubs… I hope the decision is the best one for Marc because, after two difficult seasons, that’s ultimately what matters most.”

Meanwhile, Garcia also talked highly of Szczesny, and revealed how the Pole has helped him:

“He has helped me a lot, not only with tactical aspects but in other areas as well.”

“He has accepted his role this season… The situation is good for everyone. He wants to play, and I also see it as competition that pushes me to be at my best.”

It remains to be seen how the future would pan out for Marc-Andre ter Stegen, as remaining at Barcelona is not going to be a likely choice for him. Meanwhile, Joan Garcia has his future more assured, but would need to convince de la Fuente to give him a chance of playing in the World Cup. On the other hand, Wojciech Szczesny is likely to play his last season for Barcelona, and would once again hang up his boots after that.