Barcelona admit La Masia star’s situation was not handled in best way; future uncertain | OneFootball

Hansi Flick’s decision to abruptly ditch Inaki Pena as his starting goalkeeper for Wojciech Szczesny at Barcelona last month has generated a lot of debate and controversy.

Initially benched for the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Athletic Club for coming late to a meeting, the Spaniard was overlooked for the subsequent final vs. Real Madrid.

While Pena did return to the lineup for the Copa del Rey game against Real Betis and the subsequent La Liga clash vs. Getafe due to Szczesny’s suspension, the veteran Pole was reinstalled as the starter against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League.

Barcelona admit situation could have been handled better

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona admit the situation surrounding Pena and his sudden omission from the team was not managed in the best possible manner.

For starters, Pena’s exclusion for two consecutive matches for being late for a session came as a surprise when Jules Kounde was only left out for one game for the same reason.

Furthermore, when Flick chose to change the goalkeeper for the Champions League match against Benfica there were no reasons provided, nor was any clarification given to Pena.

Out of favour. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

The decision was made on the same day and communicated to Szczesny, but not to the homegrown player, who learned about the change from the media when he had believed he would be the No. 1 in Europe.

The German coach later admitted, in a subsequent discussion with the player and other members of his staff, that the situation had not been handled in the best way, according to sources from the club.

Future uncertain

Pena’s benching highlights that the La Masia product, who was once the second-choice to Marc-Andre ter Stegen and ready to step in for emergencies, is now behind a goalkeeper who had retired during the summer.

This drastic breakdown in trust has raised doubts about the continuity of the 25-year-old shot-stopper, especially if Szczesny opts to renew his contract.

Pena’s contract ends in 2026, and as things stand, there have been no talks scheduled for a renewal. For his part, the goalkeeper is not concerned about it but rather about regaining his position. Should a proposal come, he will consider it at the appropriate time.