Szczesny: I enjoy being a guide and would like to light the way for Garcia at Barcelona

Hupu News on October 9 Recently, in an exclusive interview with the Spanish media "World Sports News", Barcelona goalkeeper Szczesny talked about his teammates Ter Stegen, Joan Garcia and his goals in Barcelona and other related topics and situations.

About Ter Stegen’s situation this summer

This is by no means a pleasant situation. I went through the same situation at Juventus and ultimately chose to retire, but I would not advise Ter Stegen to do this because he still has a lot to offer the club and football. But in this career, sometimes you have to accept decisions that are not good for you.

The club signed Joan Garcia in order to obtain a talent that can protect Barcelona fans for fifteen years. It is cruel for those who have dedicated many years to the team, but Ter Stegen is very wise and he understands that this is a decision related to the future of the club. We have had many in-depth talks this summer, and what he needs most now is to regain the physical condition he lost due to injuries last year.

Talking about the delicate moment last season when Ter Stegen announced his comeback

We have a great relationship. From a coaching perspective, there is nothing wrong with keeping the lineup stable when the team is winning consecutively - as evidenced by the fact that we won three trophies in the end. If the team's record was not good at that time, he might be able to say, 'If I come back, the result will be different,' but the reality is that last season we played wonderful football and were full of honors. I never saw frustration on his face, and even though he may have had inner turmoil, he never conveyed that negativity to the locker room.

Philosophy of Competition for the Goalkeeper Position

I never use the word 'competition'. Whether with Buffon or other goalkeepers, we are close friends who support each other. The experience of working with my childhood idol Buffon has benefited me throughout my life - observing how he trains, how he plays, and how he communicates with his teammates is far more important than the so-called competition. There has always been nothing but mutual success between us.

When you attended the premiere of your personal documentary in Poland, you stated that Joan Garcia would start the Clasico at the Bernabeu.

I really don’t know the specific arrangements, but I sincerely hope that Joan can recover from his injury in time - after all, my core mission this season is to help this rising star goalkeeper achieve a brilliant season. There is no competition between us, only full support. Of course, I am always ready to play at any time. I hope that he can return to the game as soon as possible.

The outside world thinks that you are too indifferent to the competition for the main position.

I am very satisfied with my career achievements, so I can calmly play the role of a guide. When there is a goalkeeping crisis like now, I have to do my best. But we established our goal at the beginning of the season: my first priority is to escort Qiao An’s growth. In a giant club like Barcelona, ​​the pressure on young goalkeepers is already heavy enough, so why add another veteran to backstab him?

Do you think Joan Garcia has the potential to become a world-class goalkeeper?

Of course, he has almost all the hardware conditions. In terms of physical fitness alone, he is already the best in the world, but the real challenge is to maintain the mental focus of playing every three days - which is completely different from the rhythm of playing every week. Fortunately, Qiao An has a composure beyond his years. I am sure that he can break through this barrier, and my duty is to help him face the storm with a more calm attitude.

What is the most critical advice you gave him?

Technically, I have nothing to offer. He is an extraordinary genius. But experience is the wealth I can give away - and this may also be the club's permanent intention in renewing my contract. I will teach you how to stay calm in high-pressure situations, which is the most precious quality of top goalkeepers.

Are you playing the same role for Joanne as Buffon did at Juventus?

Indeed. The experience of working with Buffon made me realize how nourishing the legendary goalkeeper is to the younger generations. Although I cannot reach his height, this legacy mission continues - just as he lit the lamp for me in the past, I should also light the way forward for Qiao An now.