13 - Iñaki Peña

[Maradona37]

I can understand both perspectives. If he is doing well (and I am not saying he is as there's some criticism in here over the Red Star game, I didn't watch it so not sure though I did see the goals) he merits keeping his starting spot, as any player does. However, it's pretty clear that he's not good enough long-term and it makes more sense to me to be proactive and take him out before the inevitable mess up that costs a goal or two or points. But at the same time it's very harsh to take him out if he hasn't let the team down and can send a bad signal to the squad about meritocracy. But overall you know playing him now is not for the best in the long run, and the Pole should be integrated when ready imo.

Flick has a dilemma here, though it seems he's sticking by Pena until he makes a mistake.

 

[Barcaman]

Flick should have played Tek against Zvezda and continued with him in CL.
Don't know what the big deal is, it wouldn't be a punishment to Pena and Tek would get some match practice.

 

[Alik]

Would have put Tek in for CL matches as soon as he was available.

 

[Joan]

Simple with him. You just know trusting him is going to bite you in the ass. Best we can do is hope it won’t be too expensive.

 

[TemporaryFan]

There is an opinion that a goalkeeper must know that he is #1 and rotations should not undermind his confidence but that was with reference to a National Team... not how goalkeepers are to be managed at a club level.

If I remember correctly, Flick wasn't rotating Bayern's Neuer for CL matches, except those that did not matter, i.e. after they qualified to knockout round but he let Neuer sit for the Pokal matches. But it looks like in Spain, the Pokal competition has a different format and the matches are far and between.

Unfortunately, (or fortunately?) It will indeed be some sloppy performance by Pena or an injury, which I don't wish for him at all, before we can see Szczęsny at work.

 

[TemporaryFan]

He is benefitting from an improved defence and tactical set up.

That plays a big part too. Or, now, when I think about it, you may have actually nailed it.

However, he seems to be confident enough in getting out of the Penalty Box, Neuer style, and manage the tasks there.
When I think of Szczęsny leaving his PB and do some play that high on the pitch, it feels somewhat unnerving.
Maybe Flick expects that level of mobility in his game plan and preferes Pena from Szczęsny for the task.

 

[draconifire]

Are we now moving onto Wojak? or he's still playing next game.