Flick clears up the mystery: Szczesny will remain the number one in the Champions League.

The time has come to an end: Wojciech Szczesny will continue to be Barça's first-choice goalkeeper in the Champions League. Hansi Flick announced this in the press conference prior to the first leg of the semi-final against Inter Milan, the final step towards reaching the final in Munich. Captain Marc-André ter Stegen , who suffered a serious knee injury at the end of September last year against Villarreal at La Cerámica, has already been given the all-clear. He was even on the bench for the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid last Saturday. However, despite looking in top form in training, he won't be able to overtake the Pole in Europe. In La Liga, however, he could get his chance when the time comes.

"Szczesny will play in the Champions League, that's clear. We'll see what happens in La Liga," the Barcelona coach stated. Not surprisingly, the option for Ter Stegen to get playing time in Europe's top competition would necessarily involve releasing the Pole, who joined the club as an emergency signing due to the German's long-term absence. In La Liga, however, as was the case in the Copa del Rey, it's possible that both goalkeepers will be included in the squad, meaning the Barcelona captain could have the opportunity to return between the posts before the season officially ends. Perhaps, if the Blaugrana reach the final in Munich, as an option to reserve Szczesny for that match.

For now, however, Flick prefers to focus on the present. "Let's focus first on the first leg. Inter is a very tough opponent, with one of the best defenses in Europe. They have a very good midfield, very strong forwards, and very dangerous transitions. It will be a difficult match and we have to be prepared," he exhorted. He even noted that he is wary of the Italian team's poor run. "It's different. The Champions League is a great opportunity to win the title, and we're two games away from the final. Everyone is giving 100% now. The past doesn't matter, and I don't think about their results because that's not my job. What I do is tell my players that they have to give their all," he emphasized.

Praise for Koundé

In his opinion, his team will know how to isolate themselves from the euphoria unleashed after winning the Cup against their eternal rival, but also, perhaps, take advantage of it to gain momentum. "Everyone is focused and knows how important this semifinal is, but the victory against Real Madrid can also boost you. That's the key. We know we have to work very hard to reach the final, and Inter have players who are facing their last chance to achieve that and they're going to give it their all," reflected Flick, who sees his team in good form despite Saturday's effort. "Winning was very emotional, but now we have the opportunity to reach the Champions League final, the most important of the calendar, a dream come true. The training session was good, everyone is focused, and we also had a meeting to see what we have to do and what we can improve in anticipation of the match against Real Madrid. We have to be at our best in these two matches," he added.

In his case, it's also clear that he'll continue to lead the team next season, although, for now, he doesn't want to talk about a possible contract extension. As with the game, he prefers to take it step by step. "I think I'll coach the team next season. I have a contract until 2026, and I've already said that I'm very happy to be here, that I love it, but now is not the time to talk about it. We have to focus on the objectives, on the team. Everything revolves around the players," he concluded. Among them, of course, was Jules Koundé, who was a key player at La Cartuja. "Jules is a very professional player. Not only for scoring goals, but also for his defensive skills. He's at a great level and is very important for us," he concluded.