A former Real Madrid goalkeeper and retired Premier League player has offered to step in for Barcelona as a temporary replacement for the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Reflecting on the recent match, Flick remarked, “Fans both at the stadium and watching from home saw a thrilling game.”
“The pace and energy were exceptional. We’re pleased with the outcome, but it’s unfortunate for Ter Stegen, who is one of our key leaders."
He continued, “It was a challenging match, as Villarreal is a team that never quits. We’ve analyzed their style, and they play with great creativity. Our performance was strong, and we need to build on this momentum.”
Ter Stegen has been a vital player for both Barcelona and the German national team. Despite recent criticism from Barcelona fans after conceding a goal in last week’s Champions League game against Monaco, he has been a mainstay for the club, making over 400 appearances since joining from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2014.
He took over as captain in December 2022, following Gerard Pique’s retirement. His relationship with Flick, who succeeded Xavi earlier this summer, remains strong.