Wojciech Szczesny has returned from retirement. But can the goalkeeper really succeed at FC Barcelona? The Pole has many strengths, but also a perhaps crucial weakness.
Zbigniew Boniek had the right instinct. Immediately after Wojciech Szczesny announced his retirement on August 27, the Polish football legend said: “He’s too young to retire. He’ll be back – like a boxer.”
And so Boniek’s surprise was also limited when the 34-year-old cruiserweight signed for FC Barcelona. The decision was just “not well thought out” with retirement, said Boniek, who was president of the Polish Football Association for many years. But Szczesny still has to stay calm. Getting back into shape “takes time after three months without football”.
It’s actually been three and a half months. Szczesny’s last appearance in goal was in the second group game against Austria (1-3) at the European Championships on June 21. About two months later, he made a tearful farewell to the professional business. Physically, he still feels fit, but “my heart is no longer in it. I feel that now is the time to devote all my attention to my family.”
Maybe he’ll watch a Clasico with his son, he said at the time. His old buddy Robert Lewandowski will surely be able to get him tickets. Not necessary anymore. Instead, the two may be on the pitch together for the next duel with Real Madrid on October 26.
Lewandowski will certainly make it easier for his compatriot to settle in. But it shouldn’t be that difficult anyway. Conveniently, the Pole has been at home in Spain for years, having a house in Marbella on the picturesque Costa del Sol.
Kowalewski names the strengths
Furthermore – and this is one of the keeper’s strengths – Szczesny is a personality, and the young Barcelona team will undoubtedly treat the experienced player with the respect he deserves. Wojciech Kowalewski, former Polish national goalkeeper and now goalkeeping coach, lists further advantages. “He is very strong in one-on-one situations and usually has strong reflexes,” says Kowalewski. During his time at Arsenal, AS Roma and Juventus Turin, among others, he proved to be a largely consistent and reliable back-up who can quickly anticipate situations.
But Szczesny also has his weaknesses. He sometimes seems too hesitant and unsure when dealing with high balls, preferring to punch the ball rather than catch it. This also means he lacks a certain authority and presence in the penalty area. He has improved his footwork, but compared to modern young goalkeepers, he is lagging behind.
This could become a serious problem for Barcelona. The Catalans are used to not having to worry too much about back passes and building up play through the keeper. At least not in the days of Marc-André ter Stegen, who is excellent with the ball at his feet.
The calendar helps Szczesny
Here, Barcelona would probably have to adapt, even if Kowalewski says Szczesny is “not so bad at that. Juventus also played a lot with the goalkeeper. Wojciech has improved at it over the years in Italy.”
Nevertheless, Juventus coach Thiago Motta no longer had any use for Szczesny. The contract, which ran until 2025 and included a net salary of €6.5 million, was terminated, and Szczesny was reportedly compensated with €4 million.
The upcoming international break after Sunday’s league game at Deportivo Alaves could be an advantage for Szczesny in the competition with placeholder Inaki Pena. Because the veteran needs time – that’s what Boniek says, and that’s what Kowalewski says. “Szczesny needs three weeks – at least. The goalkeeper training is special. You have to train muscles that are never challenged.”
