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1 month ago
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Barcelona’s new goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has recently opened up about his decision to join the club, clarifying some misconceptions surrounding his move.
Contrary to rumours, Szczesny revealed that he did not consult Robert Lewandowski before agreeing to join the Blaugrana as a temporary replacement for the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, the Polish goalkeeper discussed his journey to Barcelona, his ambitions with the club, and his relationship with Lewandowski.
Szczesny dismissed the notion that Lewandowski played a key role in his decision to join Barcelona. While he did have a conversation with Lewandowski, Szczesny said it was not the decisive factor.
“No, no, he was the first person to call me and say, ‘Look, if there’s a chance, would you come back from retirement?’
“And I talked to him for a while and we didn’t get anywhere. I would say my wife was the most influential person but I can’t say it was just one person,” he began saying.
Wojciech Szczesny says Lewandowski did not convince him to join Barcelona. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
He explained that the only reason he spoke to Lewandowski was because he has been at Barcelona for two years. All he wanted to understand was the environment of the club and the city.
“I spoke to him because he has been here for two years. I see the change in him. He has changed a lot since he arrived in Barcelona, he is much more open to people.
“He is a warmer person. He moved here and is much more relaxed. He is my point of reference and I am very grateful for his help in these first weeks at the club.”
Conversation with Hansi Flick and Deco
When Barcelona coach Hansi Flick called, Szczesny was already nearly convinced to join. Flick’s call was more of a formality, congratulating him on his decision and sharing his vision for how the team would play.
“Yes, but when the coach called me I was already 99% decided. So he just called me to congratulate me and explain how he sees football.”
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s sporting director Deco was the first to contact Szczesny’s agents to secure the deal, and after terms were agreed upon, Deco personally welcomed him to the club.
“Yes, he already contacted my agents and once we agreed on the deal he called me right away. It was very nice,” he explained.
Thoughts on Ter Stegen and Pena
Szczesny explains that he has not joined Barcelona to replace anyone. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Regarding his role at Barcelona, Szczesny made it clear that he is not here to permanently replace Ter Stegen, who is recovering from a severe injury.
“Yes, I have seen him a couple of times already and he seems to be in a positive mood despite the terrible injury. I am not here to replace him in the long term but to help him.”
Instead, his main objective is to assist fellow goalkeeper Inaki Pena and ensure he performs at the highest level. Szczesny admitted that he needs time to regain his top form, having taken two months off during the summer.
“I made it clear to him that my main priority at the moment is to help him, because I am not ready to play, I was on holiday for two months and I need time to be able to guarantee a level to represent the shirt.
“That is why I would not like to come back too soon. My priority is to help him play as well as possible because we need him in very good shape. He has been playing very well.”
Szczesny also addressed reports suggesting he was brought in to be a guaranteed starter, firmly stating that no one can promise a starting role at a club like Barcelona.
“No, that’s not true. Nobody can give you that guarantee anyway because you have to earn your place. And once you earn your place, you will have to play well enough to keep it.
“As I said, I’m here to help. And in what sense the club needs me to help is up to the manager.
“If it’s to help Inaki have the best season he can have, I’ll help him in that way. If it’s on the pitch, I’ll help him in that way. And I think I can do both at a very good level.”
Barcelona goal
Szczesny wants to win at least two trophies at Barcelona. (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona official website)
As for his goals with Barcelona, Szczesny has his sights set on winning trophies. He aims to win at least two major titles, with his focus on La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League.
I would like to win trophies that I have never won before. There are two or three to compete for, such as the Cup, there is the League and there is the Champions League.
“I want at least two of them. I would like to lift at least two to the sky and then I can finish my career thinking that I did something incredible in that last year,” he noted.
Reflecting on Real Madrid’s dominance in the Champions League last season, Szczesny acknowledged them as strong contenders, but he remains confident that Barcelona will work hard to break their tradition of success.
“They are one of those teams that play in all competitions to win and I am sure everyone at Barça will try to destroy their tradition and win the trophies.”
Finally, Szczesny shared that his conversation with Barcelona President Joan Laporta was very welcoming, with Laporta offering his support and assistance during his time at the club.
“The president was very kind and very welcoming. He offered his help in anything I might need,” he concluded.
