Barcelona goalkeeper Szczesny spoke with great humility when compared to Ter Stegen, noting that he would respect any decision made by coach Hansi Flick regarding who would guard the Catalan goal when the German returns from injury.
Szczesny appeared at the press conference ahead of the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Borussia Dortmund, where he highlighted the significant role Robert Lewandowski has played for him since his move to Camp Nou.
When asked about Ter Stegen’s return, Szczesny replied, “I think I’m here to replace Marc, and if Marc returns and is fit, the decision is up to the coach.”
He added, “Of course, I want to play in the remaining Champions League matches, and I expect that if he makes the decision otherwise, Marc will understand it as well. Our relationship is great, and whatever happens, it’s the coach’s decision and we will respect it.”
Asked whether he was more experienced than Ter Stegen, he continued, “I don’t think I’m the most experienced. I mean, Marc has played at the highest level for a very long time, and he’s won the Champions League before, which I haven’t.”
He added, “I rate Marc very highly as a goalkeeper, and comparing me to him is pointless, because I’m fully fit right now, while Marc is just starting to return to training after a long injury.”
He concluded, “If you ask me personally, when Marc is 100% fit, there aren’t many goalkeepers in the world who can outperform him.”
