La Liga great warns Barcelona over defensive impact on 24-year-old star: ‘Normal for confidence to be undermined’ | OneFootball

Former La Liga and Spain goalkeeper Santiago Canizares has shared a strong and clear opinion on the situation of Joan Garcia at Barcelona, insisting that the goalkeeper’s struggles are rooted in the team’s defensive shortcomings rather than his own performances.

Speaking on Cadena COPE (h/t SPORT), Canizares explained that Garcia is being left far too exposed during matches, making it extremely difficult for him to keep clean sheets. 

According to the former Valencia shot-stopper, the issue lies in the lack of protection in front of the goalkeeper.

“He doesn’t have a defence that protects him. He doesn’t have a defence that gives him confidence. 

“They leave him very exposed during every game, and that makes it extremely difficult for him to keep a clean sheet,” he explained.

Garcia would be frustrated

Canizares went further, suggesting that the problem is structural rather than individual. 

In his view, Barcelona currently lack clear defensive concepts that help safeguard their goalkeeper. 

Canizares has defended Joan Garcia. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

This, he warned, could eventually hurt Garcia’s confidence and overall performance as the season progresses.

“What a goalkeeper likes is to go home, keep a clean sheet, and see how the team helps you. 

“Without that support, it’s normal for confidence to be undermined. He doesn’t have a team where a goalkeeper can enjoy himself in any way.”

Nothing but praise

While acknowledging that Garcia has appeared “a little out of place” in certain matches, Canizares was quick to stress that this perception is a consequence of Barcelona’s defensive fragility rather than a reflection of the goalkeeper’s ability. 

He defended the young shot-stopper, describing him as one of the most promising goalkeepers currently playing in Europe.

Cañizares also reminded listeners that only weeks ago, he had labelled Garcia the best goalkeeper in Spain, despite his absence from the national team.

He warned that this continued non-selection could eventually come back to haunt both the coach and the Spain national team at the upcoming FIFA World Cup.