Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is hoping he is not the man between the posts when the Catalan giants take on Real Madrid in the highly-anticipated Clasico later this month. Instead, the veteran shot stopper hopes that the injured Joan Garcia is fit in time for the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu as he talked up the world-class potential of the summer signing.
Garcia becomes Barcelona's latest hero
Having completed his much-anticipated €25 million (£22m/$29m) transfer from local rivals Espanyol under controversial circumstances, Garcia wasted no time endearing himself to the Barcelona faithful. His performances proved why the defending La Liga champions fought tooth and nail to acquire the promising goalkeeper's services. Szczesny, who renewed his deal at Barca for another season, has already stated in the past that he vows to do everything in his capacity to help the 24-year-old reach the pinnacle of football.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportSzczesny aims to make Garcia 'the best goalkeeper in the world!'
In a recent interview with Polish publication , the ex-Arsenal and Juventus keeper spoke of his admiration of the summer signing. "I saw him last year at Espanyol and he made a huge impression on me," he said.
"After three days of training together in Barcelona, I decided that I could contribute in my own small way to the development of possibly the best goalkeeper in the world! I'm not saying that he is there now, but I see incredible potential in him. And if I can help him in any way — not only for the good of the team, but also to feel that I was there for this exceptional talent, because he is an exceptional talent, and even if I helped him develop by just a tiny percentage — it is already a great satisfaction for me."
Szczesny in no mood to play against Real Madrid
Garcia's dream start, however, turned into a nightmare. During a training session on the morning of September 26, the 24-year-old suffered a torn meniscus. The custodian underwent a successful arthroscopic surgery the same day, but was effectively sidelined for four weeks, putting his participation in the Clasico against arch-rivals Madrid on October 26 in jeopardy.
Szczesny wishes that Garcia recovers in time for the blockbuster clash. "I sincerely wish him a speedy recovery. And I'm not counting on playing in El Clasico myself," Szczesny told .
"I value the clarity of our relationship with Joan. He knows perfectly well what my role is, and I want to have an influence on him playing at his best. I have no doubt who will be, and who should be, the number one goalkeeper at Barcelona. I think he's a guy with great potential. I'll be immodest to say I can help him a little . I accept this role with great responsibility. I don't want anyone to have any doubts. There will never be a competition for the number one jersey here."
GettyWhen do Barcelona return to action?
After suffering their first La Liga defeat of the season, a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Sevilla last week, Hansi Flick's men squandered top spot to Madrid. They will return to action on October 18 against fellow Catalonian outfit Girona.
