DFB keeper on the verge of being fired: Barca boss gives ter Stegen a tough message
Barça sporting director Deco publicly questions Marc-André ter Stegen: Joan García comes, Szczesny stays – the captain should go, otherwise another goalkeeper faces the sack.
The signs at FC Barcelona point to a goalkeeper change – and they're doing so in a very open manner. Sporting director Deco gave captain Marc-André ter Stegen an unusually clear warning in an interview with "La Vanguardia." The German international goalkeeper, a key player for the Catalans for years, appears to no longer have a guaranteed starting place under coach Hansi Flick.
"I don't need to talk to him," Deco said matter-of-factly. Instead, he's already signed a new goalkeeper, Joan García, from local rivals Espanyol – as a clear statement. The former pro reacted coolly to ter Stegen's request for a clarifying conversation: "There's no contract that says you have to play no matter what."
Deco also confirmed that Barça has firmly planned the much-discussed contract extension with Wojciech Szczesny. The Pole was brought out of retirement last fall following ter Stegen's injury. With four goalkeepers in the squad, "a decision about Inaki Peña" now has to be made – unless ter Stegen leaves the club of his own accord.
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