Legendary Spanish goalkeeper believes Barcelona captain is making life harder for teammate | OneFootball

Legendary Spanish goalkeeper Santiago Canizares has shared a strong opinion on the current goalkeeping dilemma at Barcelona.

With Marc-Andre ter Stegen now fit and Wojciech Szczesny confirmed as the starter for the Champions League, Canizares believes there is more going on behind the scenes than most fans realise.

Speaking after watching Barcelona’s dramatic extra-time win over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, Canizares claimed that Ter Stegen’s constant presence on the bench and close interactions with coach Hansi Flick are creating unwanted pressure on Szczesny.

“It’s impossible for the pressure Ter Stegen puts on Flick not to affect Szczesny,” said the former Spain international as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

This observation follows increasing chatter among fans and media questioning when or if Ter Stegen should reclaim his starting spot after recovering from a long-term injury.

Canizares questions behaviour on the bench

Marc-Andre ter Stegen is fit to play. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Canizares did not hold back in criticising the atmosphere around the team, especially during high-pressure matches like the Copa final.

“I want to talk about goalkeepers. Courtois miscalculated, thinking he was going to get in the 2-2 with Ferran, and regarding Szczesny, the pressure Ter Stegen exerts on Flick from the bench is impressive, whispering things in his ear and constantly talking,” he explained.

The former Valencia shot-stopper went as far as calling the situation distracting and unfair.

“Call it what you want—‘messing around,’ maybe—but that kind of behaviour, whispering things in his ear and constantly talking, puts pressure on Szczesny. It’s not right.”

Flick now faces a tough decision in the Champions League. While Szczesny has done well in Ter Stegen’s absence, the pressure of the German’s return and his strong relationship with Flick could change things.

Barcelona’s goalkeeper situation might soon become one of the biggest talking points heading into the final few games of the season.