Barcelona manager Hansi Flick faces several challenges as his team strives to maintain their unbeaten streak in La Liga.
One significant hurdle has arisen with Marc-Andreter Stegen’s recent injury, which has provided a chance for young goalkeeper Inaki Pena to prove himself.
Despite the expected arrival of Wojciech Szczesny, Flick has made it clear that he intends for Pena to be his first-choice keeper.
Meanwhile, in addition to Pena, Flick also highlights the reliability of Robert Lewandowski. In fact, according to Mundo Deportivo, the manager expresses unwavering faith in both players, underlining their importance to the squad.
Pena is Barcelona’s No. 1
Pena had his opportunity to shine against Getafe, where he performed admirably. Although he did not face a barrage of shots, he made a critical save by stopping a close-range header with impressive composure.
After the match, Flick stated, “Inaki Pena is our number one goalkeeper.” He further emphasized Pena’s professionalism and dedication, saying, “He’s doing very well, he’s very professional, and he’s trained very hard. We trust him.”
While competition may arise with Szczęsny’s impending signing, it appears that Pena will be given the chance to establish himself as the primary goalkeeper for the time being.
Then there is Lewandowski
In attack, Flick boasts immense faith in Lewandowski, who continues to defy the passage of time with his scoring prowess. The seasoned striker has consistently found the back of the net, averaging one goal per match with a total of seven goals in as many games this season.
Lewandowski’s resilience is remarkable; prior to the summer, there were murmurs about his potential departure from Barcelona, especially amidst criticism. However, Flick’s return as his coach has reignited the striker’s motivation, allowing him to return to his best form.
The manager proudly proclaimed, “Lewandowski is the best ‘9’ of the last decade.” This strong endorsement highlights the vital role Lewandowski plays in Barcelona’s attacking strategy, showcasing Flick’s commitment to getting the best out of his star players.
Now, as Barcelona navigate this crucial phase of the season, the contributions of both Pena and Lewandowski will be pivotal in their quest for success in La Liga.
