Hansi Flick Admits Mistakes in Handling of Ter Stegen Situation
Hansi Flick has conceded that missteps were made in the way FC Barcelona managed Marc-André ter Stegen’s situation this summer, acknowledging that communication between the parties fell short.
Speaking on Monday evening during a video call at the SPORT BILD Awards — where he was named Coach of the Year — the Barça boss admitted:
“Whether everything always went so smoothly communication-wise, I don’t think so. There’s a lot to improve, also on my side. But what matters is that Marc and the club have reconnected and really sought dialogue.”
The 33-year-old goalkeeper, currently recovering from back surgery, has lost his starting role at Barcelona. Even without the operation, ter Stegen would no longer have been first choice. The club has signed Spanish talent Joan García as their new No. 1, with Wojciech Szczęsny as backup — leaving the German relegated to third in the pecking order.
The decision followed a summer of tension. Ter Stegen had clashed with Barça officials after refusing to sign a medical report that confirmed a minimum four-month absence. His stance, seen as a form of protest, only deepened the standoff between player and club.
Despite the turbulence, Flick stressed that ter Stegen still has a future at Barcelona.
“For me, the most important thing is that Marc returns fit. He’s a world-class goalkeeper, and he has our full support to get back to his best,” Flick said.
At the same time, he made clear why the club opted for change in goal:
“With Joan García, we have a very young, very talented goalkeeper who is already performing at a high level. Together, we decided he should be the future of Barça. From that point, our approach was clear.”