There is not much that Barcelona fans can complain about Hansi Flick’s tactics or style of play implemented at the club so far.
After all, the results have been overwhelmingly positive so far and the Catalans are rightfully considered one of the best sides in Europe.
One aspect where the manager’s decision contradicts popular opinion, however, is the goalkeeping position where he continues to lay faith in Inaki Pena despite the player’s shaky performances.
Complete trust
As relayed in a recent update by SPORT, Flick has complete confidence in the La Masia star to come good and assured the player that he would be the number one replacement for Marc-Andre Ter Stegen after the player’s injury.
After all, it is only fair that the 25-year-old gets his chances after waiting years at end on the bench.
That, however, does not go on to say that Pena will be a default starter for the club come what may and only implies that the position is his to lose.
As it stands, the academy graduate has the right over the starting position in Flick’s plans and will continue to hold the position as long as his performances reflect the quality the manager expects.
The player is aware that every game he plays is a test and an underwhelming display could pave the way for Wojciech Szczesny to have his chance to impress the manager but is confident that he can make the most out of Flick’s confidence.
Heading into tonight’s game against Bayern Munich, Pena faces the biggest challenge of his career yet as he will have to deal with the likes of Serge Gnabry, Jamal Musiala and Harry Kane among others.
Should he step up, he will set himself up for regular minutes in the months to come. A poor display, however, could allow Szczesny a small chance to replace him in El Clasico and the season ahead.
