Wojciech Szczesny offers blunt update over expected Barcelona role

Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has no doubt over his back up role at the club for the 2025/26 season.

Szczesny was lured out of retirement at the start of last season as Barcelona activated a La Liga rule to bring him in as a free transfer following a serious injury to Marc-Andree ter Stegen.

The former Poland international eventually overtook Inaki Pena to become No.1 for Barcelona from the start of 2026 as Hansi Flick marched on to a trophy treble in his debut campaign.

After a superb run of form, all parties agreed to extend his contract until 2027, despite the return of Ter Stegen and a summer move for Joan Garcia.

The chaos surrounding the release of Ter Stegen’s ‘salary space’ – following a fresh injury setback for the German stopper – eventually relented to seal Garcia’s registration as a La Liga player.

More sales and financial manoeuvres allowed Szczesny’s extension to be ratified as he steps in as Garcia’s No.2.

As expected, Szczesny has not played a minute of action so far this season, with the impressive Garcia unmoved as first-choice.

In a typically no-nonsense reply, following Barcelona’s 2-1 UEFA Champions League win at Newcastle United, Szczesny insisted he does not expect a promotion.

“I’m a substitute and, barring any surprises, I’ll remain so. My role this season is to prepare Joan García as best as possible for the matches,” he told Canal+, as per Diario Sport.

“I think he’s a goalkeeper with incredible potential, who’s already among the best in Europe. I’m very proud to play this role. I’ve been preparing for it since signing my new contract and I’m not disappointed.

“Joan lacks experience at the highest level and that’s something he needs to strengthen. I’ll try to help him maintain a consistent level throughout the season.

“It’s not easy to play every three days under so much pressure. It’s something he needs to learn.”