Hansi Flick sends clear message to Barcelona captain in key meeting over future | OneFootball

Having returned from his vacation earlier this week, FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick started on his prep work for the pre-season that gets underway tomorrow.

One of the major tasks on the German tactician’s agenda was to hold talks with Marc-Andre ter Stegen and explain the club’s plans for the goalkeeping department going forward.

As such, a meeting did take place between Flick and his compatriot on Friday, with Mundo Deportivo now coming forward with how the talks unfolded.

Flick sends a clear message

According to sources close to the coach, Flick held a meeting with Ter Stegen and made it very clear to him that he would not play this season under his management.

Instead, he would be behind two teammates in the pecking order: Joan Garcia, signed until 2031, and Wojciech Szczesny, whose contract was recently extended to 2027.

Ter Stegen, whose own contract runs until 2028, listened to Flick’s explanation but made his stance equally clear.

No change in stance. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

He reiterated the same message he gave publicly last month while on international duty with Germany in the Nations League: “Next season I will play for Barça.” That remains his position.

The 33-year-old told Flick that while he understands there will be competition, his intention is to fight for a place in the starting eleven at Barcelona. He renewed his contract with the club in August 2023 and is determined to honour it.

Ter Stegen is not troubled by the arrival of high-level competition. He is accustomed to not having guaranteed playing time in previous seasons. After overcoming a difficult year due to a serious injury, he now feels physically strong and mentally confident.

Beyond footballing reasons, personal factors are also influencing his decision to stay. Following a recent separation from his partner, Ter Stegen wishes to remain close to his children and has purchased a home near them. In addition, his new partner is Catalan.

As such, Ter Stegen has no plans to leave despite Flick making it clear that he would not be playing next season.