Hansi Flick has made his decision on the starting goalkeeper for Barcelona’s important Copa del Rey round of 32.
The German coach, master of calculated risks, reshapes his engine room with Eric Garcia’s midfield mastery alongside Pedri, sidelining established pivots plagued by injuries, family commitments, and inconsistent output, while youth prospects and returning assets vie for minutes at Estadio Pedro Escartin versus third-division CD Guadalajara.
Defending Copa champions demand precision even against mid-table Primera Federacion opposition, testing rotation depth without compromising title momentum.
That gamble hinges on the goalkeeper duel between Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Wojciech Szczesny, with Hansi Flick poised to recall the “forgotten” Polish veteran for his first competitive start since illness, thrusting him into a high-pressure spotlight against the minnows, as reported by Diario Sport.
Ter Stegen’s long-term absence elevates Szczesny’s opportunity, but rust after limited action risks exposure even versus lower-tier foes, potentially fracturing defensive solidity if the ex-Juventus stopper falters on distribution or shot-stopping.
Success validates Flick’s bold rotation; a shaky outing invites scrutiny on the primary custodian’s benching amid Barcelona’s clean-sheet crusade.
De Jong eyes his December starting bow as a midfield litmus test, battling Garcia’s interceptions and progressive passes from the Osasuna grind, while Lewandowski nurses back niggles and stars like Cubarsi integrate.
Flick’s meritocracy thrives here: no reputations shield underperformance, with Guadalajara’s modest threat amplifying every selection’s stakes in a 6,000-seat cauldron far from Camp Nou.
This Round of 32 showdown encapsulates Flick’s high-stakes philosophy – gambling on bench revival to fuel dominance.
Szczesny’s recall carries redemption weight; triumph bolsters depth, mishaps challenge the hierarchy in Barcelona’s relentless campaign.
As Barcelona kick off their Copa del Rey title defense in this midweek fixture, the manager’s bold selection between the posts could provide valuable minutes and set the tone for deeper rotation in the competition.
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