Even though Barcelona has already secured the Spanish league title at Camp Nou, new head coach Hansi Flick isn’t content with just domestic triumph. In his debut season with the club, the German tactician made it clear that settling for La Liga success isn’t enough, declaring, “We have the potential to achieve more.” Flick has his sights firmly set on a bigger goal for the upcoming campaign: winning the UEFA Champions League.
However, to realistically chase this European ambition, Flick believes the squad needs strengthening in a key area — the goalkeeping position. In recent strategy meetings with the club’s sporting directors, Flick underlined the importance of acquiring a top-tier goalkeeper who can deliver crucial performances in high-pressure matches.
According to a report from Spanish outlet El Nacional, Flick has personally requested the signing of Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, seeing him as the perfect candidate to bolster Barcelona’s European aspirations.
This decision comes after a careful assessment of Barcelona’s current squad and an analysis of this season’s Champions League finalists. Both Paris Saint-Germain, with Donnarumma, and Inter Milan, with Yann Sommer, demonstrated how a reliable and commanding goalkeeper can influence a tournament’s outcome during pivotal moments. Flick feels this is precisely what Barcelona has been missing in recent years.
Marc-André ter Stegen, long considered a pillar in Barcelona’s defense, has faced a difficult season plagued by injury, and his performances upon returning have not reassured Flick or his coaching staff.
Concerns about his physical condition and diminished reflexes have raised doubts over his readiness for next season’s European campaign. While winter signing Wojciech Szczęsny impressed in his brief stint, Flick reportedly views him as a short-term solution rather than a permanent fixture, particularly if Ter Stegen’s struggles persist.
As a result, Flick has delivered a firm message to Deco and the club’s hierarchy: signing a new goalkeeper should be a top priority during the summer transfer window. The ideal candidate, according to Flick, must bring not only technical skill but also significant European experience and mental fortitude.
Emiliano Martinez, a World Cup winner with Argentina, fits this profile perfectly. His composure in high-pressure situations and commanding presence in goal make him an ideal choice to lead Barcelona’s charge for continental success.
Ultimately, while Barcelona has reestablished its dominance in Spain, Hansi Flick is determined to reclaim the club’s status on the European stage — and he believes that quest must start from the back.
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