Barcelona summer arrival ready for his ‘most difficult’ match so far | OneFootball

When Joan Garcia left RCD Espanyol in the summer to sign for FC Barcelona, it sparked a strong, angry reaction from the Parakeets’ fanbase.

After all, the goalkeeper had been a key player in the first-team setup and had helped the team avoid relegation from La Liga, and celebrated it with them by kissing the club badge.

Naturally, with the two teams set to face off on Saturday, all eyes will be on the 24-year-old shot-stopper, who is expected to be welcomed with a hostile reception at the RCDE Stadium.

Joan Garcia ready to face it

Now, according to SPORT, Garcia feels mentally prepared to face his former club as Barcelona face off against Espanyol on Saturday.

Since his departure was made official, Joan has consistently spoken with gratitude and affection about his almost decade-long spell at Espanyol.

Those messages, however, have not been reciprocated by the white-and-blue fan base, which has directed insults and abuse at the goalkeeper.

Professionalism has nevertheless been one of Joan Garcia’s defining traits since a very young age. Those close to him assure that the goalkeeper is mentally prepared for a match of such intensity.

Joan Garcia returns to face his former club. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

He spent the Christmas holidays with his family and disconnected for a few days with his partner in Prague. He is not worried about what may happen and feels strong.

The goalkeeper has felt the support, affection and trust of Barcelona from the very first moment, something publicly expressed on numerous occasions by Hansi Flick in press conferences.

Espanyol’s position

Meanwhile, with the aim of easing the tension generated exclusively by sections of the home support, Espanyol issued a statement calling “for calm, respect and good behaviour from our supporters”.

At the same time, the club confirmed the installation of protective netting between the stands and both goals to prevent objects from being thrown.

Moreover, the Catalan club does not want to distract from the strong sporting moment the team is experiencing.

After all, Espanyol are fifth in the table and have been in the European qualification positions for two months. In addition, the RCDE Stadium is under warning of possible closure following several incidents last season.

Amidst all this, Joan Garcia remains focused on what he does best: keeping his goal secure to help Barcelona claim all three points.