Barcelona Football Team's Prominent Player Expresses Straightforward Criticism Regarding Limited Game Time
Barcelona Football Team's Prominent Player Expresses Straightforward Criticism Regarding Limited Game Time
A Barcelona first-team player, known for his stellar performances, shared his candid thoughts on his reduced playing time this season during an interview with Eleven Sports.
Following a rule loophole triggered by Marc-Andre ter Stegen's season-ending injury in late September, former Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny managed to make a comeback with the Catalans by signing a one-year contract with the club.
With Barcelona set to take on Atletico Madrid, their title rivals, in their last game of 2024, Szczesny still hadn't earned a single minute in goal, but he expressed his full agreement with Hansi Flick's decision to keep faith in Inaki Pena.
"I'm unsure when I'll make my debut. My priority was to get back in shape, which I've managed to do well now, both physically and mentally," Szczesny told Eleven Sports.
"If I were the coach, I would have given him as many games as I've played so far," he added, stating his support for Pena amidst recent poor results that included unexpected home losses against Las Palmas and Leganes.
"During tough times for the team, and when the media tried to pile on the pressure, I was the first to back Inaki Pena," Szczesny continued.
Discussing Barcelona's current slump, Szczesny attributed it to the team's young age and inexperience. "It's normal. They're dealing with the transition from playing in top European stadiums in the Champions League to facing smaller teams in La Liga. It's a part of a player's journey if they aspire to win trophies. It's a mental struggle, you need to find balance and stay strong," Szczesny explained.
Szczesny also shared that his family is "happy" in Catalonia, and the main reason he decided to join Barca. He fondly remembered his favourite moment with the club so far. "It was a memorable experience, and it brought a lot of joy to me. Maybe I even over-exaggerated my delight afterwards," he said, recalling Barcelona's 4-0 win against Real Madrid in El Clasico, where Szczesny was even spotted smoking in the Bernabeu locker room post-match celebrations.
Inaki Pena has been keeping goal for Barcelona during their title rival Atletico Madrid's upcoming match, as Wojciech Szczesny, the Arsenal and Juventus alum who returned to the Catalans due to Marc-Andre ter Stegen's injury, has yet to make an appearance. Despite his lack of playing time, Szczesny has publicly backed Pena, expressing support even during Barcelona's recent poor results and media scrutiny.