'This is not my football' - Barcelona star gives shock verdict on Hansi Flick's style of play despite winning three trophies with Catalan giants last season

Szczesny criticised Flick’s playing philosophy, saying it exposed the team defensively. He admitted that, despite the trophies, the attacking style made life difficult for a goalkeeper. The Polish veteran prefers a more balanced approach, particularly after Barca shipped seven goals in their Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan.

Barcelona enjoyed a dominant domestic campaign, winning La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. However, their defensive fragility was exposed in Europe under Flick’s aggressive tactics. Szczesny's comments highlight the tension between attractive football and structural solidity.

Speaking on the Polish YouTube channel 'Foot Truck', Szczesny said: "This isn’t my kind of football. What Barcelona did last season was remarkable. For the fans, it looks great. But it's not my kind of football, and even success doesn't change the way I see the style I prefer.

"The team could recognise the risks and not stick to one game plan for all 90 minutes. But as I said, it's not serious criticism. It’s just my opinion.

"I'm a goalkeeper. And when we're leading 4–0, and the guys are so eager to make it 5–0, forgetting everything else, it's frustrating. A goalkeeper also wants to keep a clean sheet. But the guys want to keep scoring and enjoying themselves, and for me, that’s tough."

Szczesny has signed on until 2027 but will play a reduced role next season, with new signing Joan Garcia set to become the starting goalkeeper, while Ter Stegen recovers from surgery. Flick may have to tweak his tactics if defensive lapses continue in the new campaign, as Barcelona look to win all four trophies possible, including the Champions League.