Hansi Flick has sent a brutal message to Barcelona captain Marc-André ter Stegen about his current role in the team.
The title challengers, who sit four points clear at La Liga’s summit, cannot afford slip-ups in Europe where every point counts toward playoff security, yet Flick’s high-pressing system demands total commitment from every position—including the goalkeeping department where a hierarchy has been firmly established since the summer overhaul.
Hansi Flick tells Marc-André ter Stegen his role will remain secondary, bluntly declaring Joan Garcia as his undisputed number one goalkeeper despite the captain’s imminent return to training.
Speaking ahead of the Camp Nou clash, the Barcelona boss made his stance crystal clear: “It’s clear, Joan Garcia is number one,” leaving no ambiguity about the pecking order even as ter Stegen nears full fitness post-back surgery, as reported by Diario Sport.
Joan Garcia, signed from Espanyol for €25 million in a Flick-backed move, has excelled between the sticks, embodying the coach’s preference for distribution skills and command in a high-line system that has forced over 100 offsides this season.
Ter Stegen, Barcelona’s record appearance holder and World Cup hopeful, now confronts limited opportunities, potentially as a backup or third-choice behind Iñaki Peña, raising questions about his long-term future amid interest from Turkish clubs.
Flick’s decision underscores his merit-based approach, prioritizing performance over pedigree in a squad blending youth and experience during a treble push.
Regular conversations with ter Stegen continue, but the coach avoids specifics on Germany national team implications, focusing instead on collective Champions League ambitions against a struggling Frankfurt side.
This clarity could stabilize the goalkeeping situation short-term, though ter Stegen’s minutes quest for 2026 World Cup readiness looms large.
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