Barcelona defender warns Real Madrid, Atletico ahead of Super Cup final: ‘We’re going for the title’ | OneFootball

Barcelona defender Eric Garcia starred as they thrashed Athletic Club 5-0 in the semifinal of the Spanish Super Cup on Wednesday night in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

With Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid set to face off in the second semifinal later tonight, the versatile star has sent out a warning to whoever stands in Barça’s way to lift the Super Cup trophy.

“We’re going for the Super Cup now, for the title. For us, winning the Super Cup would mean what it meant last year,” he said, during a Fan Q&A on the club’s YouTube channel (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

“It’s January, we’re getting closer every day, and that would give us extra confidence. Now, we have a very tight schedule coming up, and coming back with the title gives you a real boost of motivation,” Eric added.

The versatile player, who had recently played several matches as a holding midfielder before returning to centre-back against Athletic, expressed his satisfaction at having become a key option for head coach Hansi Flick in the Barcelona line-up.

Eric Garcia has become a key player for Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“I’m playing in many different positions, and they all have their challenges. But I like them all, and I feel comfortable in all of them,” he stated.

The Spanish defender said that the squad are “very happy with the great match played against Athletic.”

Assessing the team’s performance in the derby against RCD Espanyol, which they won 2-0, Garcia added: “The match against Espanyol was not very good, but we have recovered well.”

Speaking about Flick, Eric highlighted what makes the German manager special, saying: “Closeness to the player because he is always available to talk to you, whether you have a doubt or whether you are feeling well or not.”

Eric also revealed that he spends “a lot of time” in the dressing room with Ferran Torres, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez and Joan Garcia. He had particular praise for the goalkeeper.

“Having him as a goalkeeper when he is a friend of mine is very special. The saves he makes surprise even us,” he concluded.