Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, one of the surprise moves by Barcelona under Hansi Flick, said on Monday that he’d have no issue stepping aside for his teammate Marc-André ter Stegen if he recovers in time to play the final stretch of the season. Speaking from the press room at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, 'Tek' Szczesny explained that they have “a really good relationship” and that the team’s success comes before anything else.

Brought in mid-season after Ter Stegen’s long-term injury, Szczesny admitted he dreams of playing in the Champions League, a trophy he hasn’t won yet. “I hope that if the decision goes the other way, Marc will understand too. Whatever happens is up to Hansi, and we’ll respect it,” said the keeper in his first press conference as a Barça player.

No comparisons, no drama

Asked if he thinks he’s better than Ter Stegen, Szczesny didn’t take the bait: “He’s been at a top level for a long time. He’s won the Champions League and I haven’t. I really admire him, so it doesn’t make sense to compare us.” He added that the German keeper is already back in training and, once he’s fully fit, “there aren’t many goalkeepers like him.”

Szczesny also made it clear there’s no tension between them over the competition for the spot: “Whatever happens, we’ll understand. We both want what’s best for the team.”

Locked in on the present

The Polish keeper said he’s not thinking about a possible contract extension right now. “I’m signed until the end of the season. I just want to focus on the big matches we’ve got left and not get distracted by contract stuff. I just want to give everything for Barça,” he said.

When talking about the second leg against Borussia Dortmund, after the 4–0 win in the first leg, he warned that the job’s not done yet: “It might look settled, but it’s not. Our goal is to go out and win.” He also said that experience has helped him stay calm under pressure, something he tries to pass on to the younger players.