Barcelona star confirms positional switch for 2026-27 season | OneFootball

Barcelona have completed their preparations for the 2026-27 season, which gets underway on Sunday with a trip to Elche. Hansi Flick has fine-tuned his plans, and this has included making one big chance in defence.

Last week, it was reported that Flick had decided to go with Eric Garcia as a permanent right-back for the 2026-27 campaign. The world champion covered a number of positions last season, and while he was often used at full-back, he typically found himself in the centre of defence alongside Pau Cubarsi or Gerard Martin.

However, he will be playing at right-back on a more consistent basis during the upcoming campaign, as the man himself confirmed when he spoke after Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Wednesday (via MD). He also spoke on being appointed as one member of the temporary captaincy group.

“The coach told me that this year he would like to try me out there. It’s a position I’m happy with. I already told him that wherever he played, he would be happy. I feel good at full-back. It’s also a privilege for me to be one of the captains, even if it’s momentary.”

Eric assesses Barcelona striker situation

Eric was also asked about Barcelona’s striker situation. The Catalans are still without a natural number nine following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, although the defender is not worried about the current lack of options.

“The two centre-forwards we had are gone. There are those who are; I think we have a lot of alternatives up front. Anthony (Gordon) can play there, Karim (Adeyemi), Rapha has played there; even Lamine. Hamza is doing very well. Luckily, it’s the sporting director’s job and not mine. We accept what we have, which is already a lot. If someone comes, they will be welcome.”