Barcelona star’s relationship with Flick has ‘gone cold’ after multiple disagreements

Inaki Pena’s situation at FC Barcelona has taken a drastic turn in recent weeks, with tensions rising between the 25-year-old La Masia product and head coach Hansi Flick. Pena, who initially stepped up in goal following Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury, found himself relegated to the bench after the arrival of Wojciech Szczesny, a decision that has sparked internal debates within the club.

The handling of Pena’s demotion has been a source of contention, with many within Barcelona questioning the manner in which it was executed. While competition for places is a normal part of elite football, the abrupt nature of Pena’s exclusion has reportedly left the player and his camp frustrated.

According to reports from AS, the once-solid relationship between Pena and Flick has soured significantly. The Spanish goalkeeper sought clarification over his sudden benching, but his inquiries were reportedly met with a lack of convincing explanations. This has led to growing dissatisfaction on Pena’s part, leaving his long-term future at Barcelona in doubt.

Flick, known for his assertive managerial style, has been steadfast in his decision to rely on Szczesny, whom he considers a more experienced and reliable presence between the posts. However, sources suggest that Pena’s exclusion was not purely based on performance but also tactical preferences, as Flick prefers a more seasoned goalkeeper while Barcelona fights on multiple fronts this season.

Pena, for his part, is disappointed with how the situation has unfolded. Having been a loyal servant to the club and patiently waiting for his opportunity behind Ter Stegen, he had hoped to cement his place as the club’s long-term No. 1. His recent experiences, however, have cast doubt on whether he remains in Barcelona’s future plans.

The 25-year-old shot-stopper has previously enjoyed a successful loan spell at Galatasaray, where he gained valuable first-team experience. With his contract expiring in 2026, Pena is now reportedly considering his options, with multiple European clubs monitoring his situation closely.

Adding to the uncertainty, Barcelona’s sporting director Deco is keen to ensure that no player enters the final year of their contract without clarity over their future. With Pena’s contract winding down, the club may soon be forced into a decision: either extend his stay or cash in on him in the summer transfer window.

Interestingly, Pena is in no rush to engage in renewal talks. While he remains committed to proving his worth at Barcelona, the recent developments have left him with a sense of disillusionment. If the situation does not change, he could seek a move elsewhere, prioritizing a team that guarantees him a starting role.

Barcelona’s goalkeeping situation remains a delicate matter. Ter Stegen, despite his injury setbacks, is still the undisputed No. 1 when fit. However, the German international is not getting any younger, and with Szczesny also in his mid-30s, the club needs a long-term solution between the sticks.

Pena had been viewed as that potential successor, but his deteriorating relationship with Flick and the club’s willingness to bring in Szczesny suggests otherwise. This raises questions about whether Barcelona truly sees him as their goalkeeper of the future.

Reports from journalist Miguel Rico further corroborate the growing discord between Pena and Flick, stating that their conversations have been far from constructive. The La Masia graduate is said to be upset by the perceived lack of faith shown in him, especially given that he performed well during Ter Stegen’s absence.

Pena’s frustration is understandable. He had been given assurances that he would have a fair shot at proving himself, but those promises seem to have been short-lived. The quick shift in priorities has left him feeling sidelined, and the breakdown in communication between him and Flick has only made matters worse.

The coming months will be crucial in determining how this situation unfolds. If Pena continues to be overlooked, Barcelona may find themselves in a difficult position when it comes to negotiating his future. Should he push for an exit, the club will have to decide whether to cash in or risk losing him for a lower fee later on.

For now, all eyes are on how Pena handles this phase of his career. His talent and potential remain unquestioned, but his patience is wearing thin. Whether Flick reassesses his stance or whether Pena moves on in search of a fresh start remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the goalkeeper’s future at Barcelona is hanging in the balance.