Barcelona’s recent loss to Las Palmas at Montjuïc has sent shockwaves through the club, raising concerns about the team’s performance and casting a spotlight on individual players. This defeat marked their third in La Liga this season, following losses to Osasuna and Real Sociedad.
The string of disappointing results has put Barcelona on the brink of losing their lead in the league, intensifying scrutiny on their squad and tactics.
One player under significant criticism is goalkeeper Iñaki Peña, who stepped up as the first choice following Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury. According to El Nacional, Peña has struggled to meet expectations, and his performance in the Las Palmas game exemplified his lack of confidence.
Despite Las Palmas posing minimal offensive threats, their only two shots on target resulted in goals, raising questions about Peña’s readiness for such a crucial role.
The absence of Ter Stegen, a cornerstone of the team, has left a noticeable gap in Barcelona’s defense. Fans have voiced their frustrations on social media, criticizing Peña for failing to provide the stability and assurance the team desperately needs during a critical phase of the season. The growing dissatisfaction has reportedly led coach Hansi Flick to reconsider his options.
Flick, aware of the mounting pressure and the importance of a reliable goalkeeper, is rumored to be planning a significant change.
Sources close to the team suggest that he is considering starting Wojciech Szczesny, a veteran Polish goalkeeper signed as a free agent after announcing his retirement. Szczesny, who has an illustrious career with clubs like Juventus and Arsenal, was initially seen as a backup solution.
Despite not playing a single match since joining, his extensive experience and composure make him a promising option to stabilize the team.
Szczesny has been training rigorously and could debut in the next game, providing much-needed leadership in Barcelona’s goal. Flick views him as a short-term fix capable of alleviating the team’s defensive woes during this challenging period.
The decision to potentially bench Peña underscores the urgency of addressing Barcelona’s declining form and restoring stability.
With the team’s results faltering and fans demanding improvements, Flick appears ready to make bold choices. Dropping Peña from the starting lineup might be the first step toward reinvigorating Barcelona’s campaign and regaining their footing in the league.
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