Here’s What Wojciech Szczesny Wants to Achieve with Barcelona
Coming out of retirement to cover for Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury, the Polish goalkeeper intends to win at least two titles with FC Barcelona, or more if possible.
Since announcing his retirement at the end of last August, Wojciech Szczesny was enjoying peaceful days in Marbella with his family. This tranquility was disrupted by Marc-André ter Stegen's injury and a call from FC Barcelona, looking for an experienced and above all free replacement for the season. "I looked at my wife hoping she would simply say, 'don’t do it'," he revealed in an extensive interview with Mundo Deportivo. However, she gave her approval and encouraged him to seize the opportunity.
Getting Back in Shape
At 34, the former Polish international could not say no to the chance to join a major club and discover a new league. "I'm excited to take on the challenge," he confirmed. However, his enthusiasm is measured. Wojciech Szczesny is aware that he is not arriving in familiar territory and will need time to regain his level after several weeks off. Therefore, he initially positions himself as support for Iñaki Peña. "I made it clear to him that my main priority right now is to help him because I'm not ready to play. I’ve been on vacation for two months and I need time to ensure a level that represents the jersey. That's why I don't want to come back too soon," explained the Pole, who isn't pressuring himself regarding the timeline, even though he knows he will only be there for a few months.
Before arriving in Catalonia, he also took the time to call Marc-André ter Stegen to get his opinion on his arrival and check on him. "I'm not here to replace him in the long term," he reminded.
"Here to Win"
Alongside his physical preparation, the former Arsenal and Juventus player will focus on understanding FC Barcelona's style of play to integrate as well as possible into the squad and fulfill the project set by Hansi Flick. According to him, this task will not be the most complicated. "The way Barça builds from the back is very similar to what we did at Juventus when Pirlo was the coach (…) Their style of play is not really complicated for a goalkeeper, so I won’t have any problem. I don't expect anyone to adapt to my style. It's me who has to adapt to Barça's style," he told the Catalan sports daily.
A sporting adaptation is essential for him to perform quickly because Wojciech Szczesny didn’t agree to put his retirement on hold just for the pleasure of playing again. "I'd like to win trophies I've never won before, like the Copa del Rey, La Liga, and the Champions League. I want at least two (…) I didn’t come here to have a good time. I came here to win. I just want to feel, at the end of this experience, that I did something extraordinary," he stated. A very high ambition, matching that of a club that will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its last European title next May.
