Flick Chooses Szczesny Over Pena for Benfica Clash

LISBON, Portugal — Barcelona manager Hansi Flick made a surprising decision to start Wojciech Szczesny in goal for the team’s crucial match against Benfica on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. The veteran goalkeeper replaced Inaki Pena, who had been the regular starter in recent games.

Flick explained his decision during a pre-match press conference. “He is a goalkeeper with experience and personality, and we have thought about him for this match,” Flick said. “I am not looking that far ahead. This match is for Szczesny, then we will see.”

The German coach acknowledged the challenge posed by Benfica, calling it a “great team” and predicting a difficult match. Szczesny’s inclusion marks his first start since returning from injury, raising questions about Flick’s long-term plans for the goalkeeping position.

Reports suggest Flick may adopt a rotation strategy for the remainder of the season, with Pena starting in La Liga matches and Szczesny taking the reins in cup competitions. Barcelona’s next league game against Valencia on January 28 will test this theory.

Szczesny, who joined Barcelona in 2023, brings a wealth of experience from his time at Juventus and Arsenal. His return to the starting lineup comes at a critical juncture in Barcelona’s season, as the club seeks to advance in both domestic and European competitions.