Interesting news from the Barcelona camp arises as Cadena Cope has reported that Marc Andre Ter Stegen might be available for the Copa del Rey final against Los Blancos. It’s a tricky debate, as it’ll be interesting to see if Flick prioritizes loyalty or keeps going with Szczesny, who has had a near-perfect season. Let’s dissect this debate.
What does Ter Stegen’s Untimely Return from Injury Mean?
Marc Andre Ter Stegen is undoubtedly a Catalan legend and one of the only two players who have lifted the UCL in this current team. But right now, we have to cut through the sentimentality. Wojciech Szczesny’s 24-game run (1 loss, 13 clean sheets) this season has been the real backbone of the crisis-afflicted defense of Barcelona.
Ter Stegen’s return means Flick now has to decide. Incorporating a freshly recovered player from injury might risk the defense. Szczesny, who is in a terrific rhythm right now, should be a no-brainer starter. In finals like these, the form must be prioritized.
Will Ter Stegen’s Sudden Return Undermine Szczesny?
While Hansi Flick might prefer Szczesny over Ter Stegen in the grand finale, the German keeper’s return might impact the Polish keeper. Szczesny, who received backlash due to a few errors at the start of the season, came back rock solid and stellar. He has a 92% save efficiency and is an undisputed starter.
But Ter Stegen’s return might bring demons into the Pole’s mind. If Ter Stegen gets the starting role, it might break Szczesny’s heart. It will not be a good precedent if Flick prioritizes loyalty over Szczesny’s short but sensational stint.
Can Ter Stegen’s Leadership Make an Impact in Clasico?
Another reason Ter Stegen’s slim chances of featuring in the clasico get a boost is that he is the Barcelona captain. He is a leader on and off the pitch for Barca. The Catalans have a mental fragility in big games and his mere presence might be a big boost for Barca. Infact, the German’s mere presence on the bench could inspire the team.
However, the present Ter Stegen is not by any means the 2015 version. Right now, the German has not played since September and we need a leader who leads from the front. Hansi Flick will need to consider all these aspects carefully and make a decision which prioritizes collective benefit of the Barca team.
Final Say on Who Shall Start: Szczesny or Ter Stegen?
Hansi Flick is sometimes ruthless with his tactics. We all saw how he sidelined a performing Inaki Pena to bring in a rusty Szczesny; but it worked. A similar situation has arrived with Ter Stegen’s comeback right now and will the German execute a deja vu?
Well, I think no. This is because the situation is completely different right now. The final few games of the season are left, and every minute will be decisive. Real Madrid is to be faced twice in next 15 days and every save will count. Let’s hope Flick makes the right decision and it works for the team.