Barcelona goalkeeper Iñaki Peña is facing a challenging period in his career after falling down the pecking order at the club. The 25-year-old initially stepped up as the team’s starting goalkeeper when Marc-André ter Stegen suffered a long-term injury. However, despite his efforts, he has since been displaced by Wojciech Szczęsny, leaving him frustrated and seeking answers about his place in the squad.
Peña had hoped to solidify his position as Barcelona’s No.1, but his sudden demotion has left him confused. With little explanation for his reduced role, he decided to meet with head coach Hansi Flick to discuss his situation and understand the reasoning behind the decision.
A Frustrating Meeting with Flick
According to Diario Sport, Peña’s conversation with Flick did not go as he had hoped. Rather than providing reassurance or a pathway back into the starting lineup, the Barcelona boss reportedly urged him to accept the current reality. The meeting left Peña feeling discouraged, with the sense that his chances of regaining his spot in the team had significantly diminished.
The lack of a clear opportunity to fight for his place has only deepened Peña’s frustration. He had initially believed that he would have the chance to compete for the position, but Flick’s stance suggests that Szczęsny will remain the preferred choice, at least for the foreseeable future.
Considering a Departure
As a result of these developments, Peña is now seriously contemplating his future at the club. With limited chances of playing under Flick, the goalkeeper is weighing his options beyond the summer. At 25 years old, he is at a stage in his career where regular game time is crucial, and remaining on the sidelines at Barcelona may not be in his best interest.
Although no decision has been made yet, Peña’s growing frustration could push him toward seeking a new challenge elsewhere. Whether he will fight for his place or look for opportunities outside of Barcelona remains to be seen, but his recent meeting with Flick has certainly left him with an uncertain path ahead.
