Former Espanyol coach backs Joan Garcia to handle volatile reception on return – ‘He knew what he was doing’ | OneFootball

Former Espanyol goalkeeping coach Inigo Arteaga has spoken glowingly about Joan Garcia, praising the Barcelona goalkeeper’s composure, intelligence, and rapid adaptation to elite-level football. 

In just a matter of months, Garcia has gone from being a debated signing to firmly establishing himself as Barcelona’s undisputed number one between the posts.

Despite suffering a knee injury that kept him sidelined for nearly two months earlier in the season, Garcia has won over the Barcelona fanbase in record time. 

The goalkeeper arrived last summer after the Blaugrana activated his €25 million release clause, a move that initially raised eyebrows. 

However, Garcia has taken full control of the Barça goal, with the coach himself publicly referring to him as the team’s clear “number one”. 

Praise from the former coach

Arteaga, who worked closely with Garcia during his time at Espanyol between 2023 and 2025, shared his assessment in an interview on RAC 1 (h/t Mundo Deportivo). 

Having witnessed Garcia’s development first-hand, the former Espanyol coach admitted that his current level does not come as a surprise.

“We knew he was capable of performing at that level, of proving he has what it takes to play for a team that competes in all competitions and where the pressure is intense. 

Joan Garcia has been praised by his former coach. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

“You could already see it in training: his ability to filter passes, beat lines… There was no doubt about it.”

Arteaga spent two full seasons working alongside Garcia, covering both his breakthrough campaign and the year in which he truly consolidated his status. 

He recalled how the goalkeeper remained patient despite not being the automatic starter.

“In terms of hierarchy and status, Pacheco was the starter, but everyone knew that when he got the chance, Joan would take advantage of it. 

“And he was very important both in the first promotion and in the subsequent survival,” he recalled.

Strong impression

Beyond matchdays, it was Garcia’s daily attitude that left the strongest impression.

”On a day-to-day basis, I was very impressed by his ability to understand things, to work. 

“How he was always willing to find solutions to everything that happened on the pitch,” he added.

When discussing Garcia’s strengths, Arteaga highlighted his game intelligence and bravery.He stressed his ability to “adapt and find solutions to the game” along with his athleticism and reading of play.

“He’s advanced. When a ball goes into the area, you’re calm because you know Joan is there to go for balls that you don’t even think he should go for. 

“But hey, he takes risks and calmly catches the ball and is ready to launch a counterattack,” he said.

Arteaga also admitted that Garcia had areas to refine earlier in his career.

”He moved around too much. He wanted to take on situations that weren’t his responsibility. He has improved a lot in this regard.”

Controversial move to Barcelona

Joan Garcia took a big risk. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

The Espanyol factor and the emotional weight of his move to Barcelona were also addressed. 

Arteaga acknowledged that Garcia fully understood the consequences of crossing the city divide.

“He already knows what’s at stake and what he has meant to Espanyol. He knew that this transfer would have consequences. I think he’ll cope well. 

“He’ll have to learn to handle the pressure, but he’s a professional and I don’t think he’ll have any problem dealing with this situation,” he said.

Finally, Arteaga shared his personal hope regarding how Garcia will be received when facing his former club.

“How would I like it to be? It has nothing to do with how they are going to receive him. That’s clear. 

“I spent two years at Espanyol and I know what their fans go through on a daily basis in Barcelona and the rest of Catalonia. I understand that Joan’s signing has hurt them. 

“He was the club’s new symbol, the youth player who stood out and won games single-handedly with the first team. 

“I can understand that, but I would like them to welcome him like any other former player: to put pressure on him during the game and then forget all about it,” he said.