Manager of Barcelona Hansi Flick did not rule out bringing in a goalkeeper to replace the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen, but was keen to emphasize his confidence in Ink paintingits current back-up. Ter Stegen underwent surgery on Monday, and is not expected to return until May at the earliest.
Flick has been asked many questions about his plans for the goalkeeper position, with most of the discussions in the Catalan capital in the last two days surrounding potential additions. He went out of his way to support Pena first and foremost.
“First of all, I have to say that we have full confidence in Inaki Pena, who arrived and was very professional.”
“First of all, I have to say that we have full confidence in Inaki Pena, who arrived and was very professional.”
“Not only in pre-season games, but in training, he is doing very well. We have full confidence in him.”
– Hansi Flick #FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/Q8R1ug02LF
— Football España (@footballespana_) September 24, 2024
“Not only in pre-season games, but in training, he is doing very well. We have full confidence in him.”
However, he did not rule out bringing an alternative.
“We have to talk, I also have to talk with Dela (goalkeeping coach Luis de la Fuente) to see what he has to say. He has been here for many years, and he knows a lot, and we value his opinion.”
Barcelona have been linked with a number of potential alternatives to ter Stegen since Sunday night, and have 30 days to sign an emergency replacement, or they can wait until January. Using the old rule, they can use 80% of their salary to register a new player, and as it is outside the transfer window, that player would have to be a free agent. Several veterans have been suggested, including Keylor Navas, and retired duo Wojciech Szczesny and Claudio Bravo.
Goalkeeper Áron Yaakobishvili is training with the first team today. @alexpintanel
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) September 24, 2024
