Szczesny says adapting to Barcelona required setting ego aside

Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny said he had to put his ego aside and take risks to adapt to Barcelona’s tactical system, which he admitted did not initially suit his style of play.

“I knew when I took on this challenge that I didn’t fit in with Barcelona’s style,” Szczesny told reporters. “I knew I was the best backup option at the time, but I’m not the type of goalkeeper who suits that way of playing.”

The Poland international said he learned through trial and error. “I knew I would have to make meaningless runs outside the area several times to understand where the limit was,” he said.

Szczesny said the adaptation became easier as the team improved collectively. “It was uncomfortable at first, but the plan started to work. I had to adapt to them, not the other way around,” he said.

He described his spell at the club as successful, noting the three trophies won during his time there. “I’m too old to learn everything so quickly. I just tried to do my job as best I could,” he added.

Szczesny said winning the Champions League would be special but added that his career would feel complete even without it.