Barcelona and Atletico Madrid put on a sensational display at Montjuïc in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, in a crazy match that ended in a 4-4 draw. However, there was a notable development in the match, according to information from the Spanish newspaper “El Nacional,” where one of the most prominent headlines was coach Hansi Flick confirming his decision not to rely on goalkeeper Iñaki Peña.
The Spanish goalkeeper, who was recently considered one of the important goalkeepers in the team, sat on the bench again, highlighting the significant change in his role within Barcelona. Although he was supposed to be given a chance in the cup match against Atletico Madrid through rotation in goal, Flick insisted on Peña remaining as a reserve, preferring Polish goalkeeper Szczesny.
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It seems that Flick’s decision to exclude Peña was not just a passing exception. The young goalkeeper is suffering from frustration and sadness due to his marginalization by the German coach, which has made most of the Barcelona players sympathize with him and feel that his treatment is unfair. Many players in the squad see Peña as undeserving of this treatment, which only adds to his frustration.
As Barcelona continues to progress in the Copa del Rey, Peña appears to be facing an uncertain future with the team. The goalkeeper, who was hoping for a new chance to prove himself, is now out of Flick’s plans. This situation could prompt Peña to decide to look for another destination away from Barcelona to escape the German coach’s control.
At the moment, it seems that Peña’s immediate future does not include staying at Barcelona. Despite being at the club for a long time, a move to another team could be a possible option in the summer transfer market. Peña could seek more playing time at another team to rebuild his career.
As Barcelona enters a crucial period of the season, it appears that with the arrival of Szczesny as the main option in goal, Peña’s days at Barcelona may be numbered. As for coach Flick, it seems that he has made up his mind regarding the Spanish goalkeeper.
After the decision to leave Peña out of the cup match against Atletico, the future of the goalkeeper within the club is becoming clearer. If things continue as they are, these could be Peña’s last months at Barcelona.
