‘No chance’ – La Liga manager pessimistic about summer move for Barcelona defender – | OneFootball

Speaking in an exclusive interview with SPORT, Girona manager Michel has admitted his admiration for Barcelona defender Eric Garcia but acknowledged that a summer move will be difficult to pull off.

Garcia spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Girona and thrived under Michel, helping the Catalan club qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

Upon return in the summer, the Spaniard was heavily linked with a move back to Montilivi, but Hansi Flick decided to hold onto him after injuries to Andreas Christensen and Marc Bernal.

The Catalans tried to take him back again in January, but Flick convinced Garcia to stay put by expressing his complete trust in him.

Michel admits summer move unlikely

Speaking in the interview, Michel acknowledged that he would like to see Garcia return to Girona but was realistic about the club’s minimal chances of signing him from Barcelona as he is now an important player.

Eric Garcia has grown in stature at Barcelona. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

“I see it as very difficult. There was a chance when he was not playing much at the start, but now he has become an important player for Barcelona. He is playing, he is competing,” admitted Michel.

Singing praises of the former Manchester City starlet, the Girona boss added: “Obviously, I love him as a player. I have the feeling that, within my footballing philosophy, he perfectly fits what I want.

“He is incredibly talented, that is why he is at Barça. He has overcome the minor criticism he faced, and he is now showing the level he is capable of.”

However, Michel insisted that he was not optimistic about a reunion, as he said:

“We practically have no chance of bringing him back. I wish we did, but I have the feeling that Eric will not be returning.”