Hansi Flick sends thank you message to Barcelona star after win over Athletic Club | OneFootball

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick moved to send a message of appreciation the way of a member of his goalkeeper ranks, on the back of the club’s meeting with Athletic Club.

The player in question? Iñaki Peña,

Goalkeeper Peña is for his part fresh off something of an unusual campaign in Catalunya’s capital.

Cast into an unexpectedly prominent role following the long-term injury suffered by Marc-André ter Stegen, the 26-year-old racked up 19 appearances across all competitions by the turn of the year.

Soon after, however, Peña found himself condemned to backup duties once more.

This came after the Spaniard was usurped in the shot-stopper pecking order in Hansi Flick’s squad by free agent signing Wojciech Szczęsny.

On Sunday, in Barcelona’s final outing of the campaign against Athletic Club, Peña was in from the off, though, in what could prove to be his very last appearance in the club’s colours.

Asked directly if he expects the 26-year-old to be on the move this summer during his post-match press conference, boss Hansi Flick therefore made use of the opportunity to send a message of gratitude Peña’s way:

“I don’t know, but I want to thank him very much. He deserves it. He wasn’t happy with my decision on the goalkeeper position, but he’s always trained very well.”

Conor Laird – GSFN