Eric Garcia: 'Flick has placed a lot of faith in me'
He is currently one of the go-to men at Barça. Eric Garcia has begun the season as an important part of Hansi Flick's plans. In fact, he has started five of the six games the blaugranes have played this season. Whether he plays centre back, (left or right) full back, or even defensive midfielder, the Catalan always contributes. The FC Barcelona number 24 has assessed the start to the season and what's to come for the Club website.
Hi Eric, how are you?
Fine, all good.
You have started the season very well, in very good form. You've started almost every game. Do you think you are going through your best spell?
I always think the best moment is still to come. It's true that I have had many starts so far the season, many minutes, and I think it's something to continue. Ultimately the team doing well, that we are winning games is what's most important. We have just started, so hopefully we can carry on the same throughout the season.
So you rate the start to the season for the team positively?
Yes of course. We drew away to Rayo, which is a tough place to go, not everyone wins there, but I think we are very happy apart from that. We are high up in LaLiga, we started by winning at a very tough ground in the Champions League... So I think we are doing well at the moment.
How do you see the coming LaLiga games against Oviedo and Real Sociedad?
Important, because there are three games in a week, the Getafe game the other day, plus the two to come. Winning is important, because we drew away to Rayo, we can't have any other slip ups, and if we want to be there and win LaLiga again, which is the aim, we can't let those games get away.
And the game against PSG next week?
Good, looking forward to it. I think we were all left with a bit of "what ifs" from last season, that if we had won against Inter, we would have played PSG in the final. A game that I believe would see the two teams that play the best football go head to head. Looking forward to it, of course, looking forward to it.
Is the Champions League a target this year?
I think you have to win every trophy when you are at Barça of course. We went close last season. Hopefully we can match what we did last season, and even better if we win the Champions League.
You are still young, but this is now your fourth season here. What's your role in the dressing room?
I think I get on very well with everyone, I try to be close and help my teammates however I can. I also try to bring a bit of fun to the dressing room, which I think is important, because we spend many, many hours together during the season. We almost see our teammates more than our families. I think we all get on very well, and that's very important.
So, it's true what Ferran said for example, you are pretty rowdy and a joker in the dressing room?
(Laughs) Joker yes, rowdy no. I do like to joke around a bit when it's the right moment, quell the flames around very significant games a bit. The squad gets together a lot, there are a lot of commitments... So I think a good atmosphere among the group is valuable in order to be a bit more relaxed.
How do you all get on in such a young dressing room as yours?
It's a dream for all of us who were at La Masia since we were little. To make it into the first team, to be together here, I think we all speak the same football language. And as we are all so young, I think there is an amazing atmosphere in the dressing room.
Flick defined you as a smart, versatile and professional footballer. Do you see yourself that way?
Well, I think I am a smart person on the pitch. And hardworking too. Like every player, the aim is to be available as many times as possible, because we all want to play. We know that the risk of injury is higher when playing every three days, as the physical demand on you is greater. So it's true in that respect, I do consider myself hardworking.
When it comes to Flick, how important has he been for you since he arrived?
Very important, he has shown a lot of faith in me, he has played me in many positions and given me a lot of confidence. I think that is very important for a player.
Do you like the style he has adopted?
I think it's modern football. It's true that we sometimes take risks, but I think that's the way we play. If we do it right, we often leave the opponent offside. That really helps us. And attacking-wise, I think we have a very attractive and joyful playing style. And even more so given our forward players.
How was the adaptation to this style, both personally and as a group?
I think you saw it last season. At first of course, like when anything is new in life, it's a bit hard to adapt. However, I think the adaptation was quick given the "difficulty". Opponents know us better this year and know what we do. We are trying to adjust things we are doing in order to improve it.
Going back to your versatility, you have played both right and left full back, centre back, and defensive midfielder. Where do you feel more comfortable?
I have always played centre back since I was little. I also feel very comfortable at right back, but I try to help wherever the coach wants me to. It depends on the game, whether I am a starter or a substitute, I know I can play in other positions. So I try to help the team as much as possible.
Did you watch the Ballon d'Or?
Yes.
What did you think of it from a blaugrana perspective?
I don't think all the positions were right. I think Pedri and Raphinha should have been higher given the season they had. Obviously Lamine Yamal could have won it. I think everyone knows that. However, I think Dembélé had a very good season, especially collectively, when they won a lot of trophies. He used to be a teammate of ours too, I'm happy for him.
Who do you think is the best player in the world right now?
Lamine Yamal. He is showing his amazing talent every day he plays. But again, I think Dembélé had a very good season.
Are you looking forward to returning to the Spotify Camp Nou?
Yes, very much so. Every player and fan wants to return home just like I do, to our stadium, with everyone there. I think it will give us a boost when playing games, because the Spotify Camp Nou is a very imposing stadium.
What do you value most about playing for Barça?
For a player like me, like many in the team who came though from a young age, playing at La Masia, everything that involves our development here, reaching the first team, winning trophies with the club you love, is very important in my view. My family have been blaugranes since I was little, they used to take me to the stadium, and now, well, being able to play at the Spotify Camp Nou, when we go back, will be even more special. It's a dream come true.