A heavy sense of disappointment filled the Barcelona dressing room following their painful exit from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Inter Milan.
This defeat has prompted deep internal discussions within the club, particularly regarding the futures of several key players. While much attention has fallen on Ronald Araujo, he is by no means the only individual under scrutiny.
The loss has sparked a wave of criticism and reflection that is now influencing important decisions behind the scenes at Camp Nou.
One of the most significant topics of discussion involves veteran Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny. According to Spanish newspaper El Nacional, doubts have emerged about Szczęsny’s continued place in the squad. Signed during the winter transfer window as an emergency replacement for the injured Marc-André ter Stegen, Szczęsny was initially seen as a smart and reliable short-term solution.
His early performances in La Liga were impressive, delivering clean sheets and bringing much-needed stability to a side shaken by injuries and poor form.
At one point, the club even considered extending his stay beyond the season, either as backup or direct competition for Ter Stegen. However, the situation dramatically shifted following Barcelona’s two-legged semi-final clash with Inter Milan.
Szczęsny conceded seven goals over the course of both matches — three at home in Montjuïc and four away at San Siro, including two in extra time. Though not every goal was his fault, his positioning, decision-making, and reactions during crucial moments drew sharp criticism from both the coaching staff and supporters.
These shortcomings have now raised concerns among the club’s hierarchy, with some members of the sporting department questioning whether it makes sense to renew his contract. Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, has reportedly begun searching for other options.
One name on the list is young Espanyol talent Juan García, who has been highlighted in scouting reports as a promising long-term prospect. Additionally, other goalkeepers from different European leagues are being closely monitored as potential replacements.
Unless there’s an unexpected turnaround in the coming weeks, Szczęsny is widely expected to leave Barcelona at the end of the season. While his brief tenure at the club was initially appreciated for bringing calm during a challenging period, his European shortcomings appear to have sealed his fate.
As Barcelona prepares for a summer of significant changes, the defeat to Inter may mark the beginning of bold decisions — with Szczęsny and other underperforming players likely among the first casualties.
Leave a Reply