Bold headline: The veteran who seized his moment and reminded everyone what leadership looks like on and off the pitch.
Hansi Flick explained his surprising choice to start Marc-Andre ter Stegen for a competitive game in months, asserting that the veteran deserved the chance to step back between the posts. After a morale-boosting win, Flick praised the goalkeeper’s attitude while also clarifying where Ter Stegen sits in the future pecking order.
Ter Stegen’s return to the XI
Barcelona’s manager spoke glowingly of Ter Stegen after the German stopper’s surprise reappearance in the starting lineup for the Copa del Rey clash with Guadalajara. Flick framed the decision as a deliberate step in the keeper’s rehab process and as a sign of the club’s respect for its captain.
Instead of sticking with the widely anticipated Wojciech Szczesny to fill in for current number one Joan Garcia, Flick handed the gloves to Ter Stegen for the 2-0 victory. Garcia was rotated out for this match, and the expectation had been that Szczesny would be the deputy. In reality, Flick chose his fellow countryman, giving Ter Stegen his first competitive minutes since his spell on the sidelines.
The move paid dividends, with Barcelona earning a clean sheet and Flick crediting the victory largely to the team’s mental resilience. Yet the main talking point after the final whistle was Ter Stegen’s return, as the 33-year-old produced a series of commendable saves that reminded everyone of his enduring quality.
A question of respect
Speaking to reporters, Flick shed light on the internal deliberations behind the lineup surprise. He stressed the decision wasn’t made on a whim but was a considered choice agreed by the full technical staff to honor Ter Stegen’s twelve years of service to Barcelona.
“Marc is the captain and has played many games in the 12 years he’s been here,” Flick explained, offering insight into the emotional intelligence behind the selection. “We spoke with the rest of the coaches and wanted to give him the opportunity to play. He’s back; it’s only for this match, and I think it’s a good next step.”
Flick also highlighted that Ter Stegen’s inclusion rewarded his behind-the-scenes dedication during recovery. While Joan Garcia has established himself as first choice during Ter Stegen’s absence, the German’s professionalism deserved recognition.
“He is the team captain,” Flick reiterated. “He had the opportunity to return and he took it. He has given a lot to the club and must be respected.”
A measured stance on the squad’s hierarchy
Despite the praise, Flick was careful not to imply a permanent shift in Barcelona’s goalkeeping order. The rise of Garcia, acquired from Espanyol in the summer, has been a major storyline for the season, and Flick moved quickly to underscore that Ter Stegen’s appearance was solely for this one match.
“We discussed it with the staff and decided he should play,” Flick said, adding the caveat: “It is just for this match.”
Mentality as the deciding factor
Beyond the goalkeeper debate, Flick was visibly pleased with the collective display. In a match where frequent rotations could disrupt balance, he pointed to the mental side of the performance as the critical factor.
“The key is pressure and attitude,” the German coach noted, a line he reportedly repeated during several pitch-side interviews.
Flick was especially impressed that his side did not underestimate the opponent, maintaining intensity even with changes to the starting XI.
“These matches are not easy, and I am happy with my players’ attitude,” he concluded. “That attitude is the reason for our victory. Scoring in games like this isn’t always easy, but we did it.”
For Ter Stegen, the night marked an important personal milestone. After months of injury rehab and watching from the stands or the bench, stepping onto the pitch with the captain’s armband and keeping a clean sheet in a win represented the “good next step” Flick hoped for. Whether this leads to more minutes remains to be seen, but for one night at least, the veteran German reaffirmed that he remains a force to be reckoned with.
