According to “Varzesh3,” Wojciech Szczęsny, Barcelona’s goalkeeper, will continue in the UEFA Champions League—at least for the two semi-final matches against Inter Milan and possibly the final in Munich.

Hans-Dieter Flick, Barcelona’s head coach, confirmed this on Tuesday during the pre-match press conference ahead of the Nerazzurri clash at Montjuïc. Yesterday, Flick said about his first-choice goalkeeper: “Szczęsny will play in the Champions League, and perhaps we will make changes in La Liga.”

Before this official confirmation—and even before Marc-André ter Stegen recovered from injury just before the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid—there were discussions among fans about the possibility of the German goalkeeper returning to the starting lineup.

Ter Stegen was sidelined due to a severe injury, which led to Szczęsny’s signing. Santiago Cañizares, the former Spanish national team goalkeeper and now a commentator for Cadena COPE, believes that Ter Stegen’s presence alongside Flick negatively impacts Szczęsny.

He stated firmly: “It’s impossible for the pressure Ter Stegen puts on Flick not to distract Szczęsny. I believe he shouldn’t even sit on the bench.” The former goalkeeper, who twice reached the Champions League final with Valencia, expressed his opinion bluntly.

After watching the Copa del Rey final, where Barcelona defeated Real Madrid in extra time, Cañizares criticized the goalkeepers’ performances but had a specific reason for Barcelona’s keeper. He said: “I want to talk about the goalkeepers. Courtois made a miscalculation on Barça’s second goal, scored by Ferran Torres, thinking he could save it. As for Szczęsny, the bizarre pressure Ter Stegen exerts on Flick from the bench is unbelievable; he constantly talks to Flick, whispering things in his ear.”

According to the 55-year-old Cañizares, it’s impossible for this behavior not to affect Szczęsny. He added: “I don’t know what to call it—maybe meddling—but Ter Stegen’s constant communication with Flick prevents Szczęsny from playing calmly.” He concluded, “I want to say that Ter Stegen’s behavior affects Szczęsny because it impacts any goalkeeper, and it’s not right.”