Joan Garcia opens up on Barcelona dream, Spain call-up and Champions League experience | OneFootball

Joan Garcia is currently enjoying one of the most defining moments of his career. 

After establishing himself as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper under Hansi Flick at Barcelona, the young shot-stopper has now earned his first call-up to the Spanish national team.

During the international break, Garcia spoke to Mundo Deportivo and reflected on his rise, the challenges ahead, and life inside Barcelona’s dressing room.

During the interview, Garcia was asked about reports linking Alex Remiro with a potential move to Barcelona as a backup option. 

Responding to the rumours, he said,

“I don’t know. I think there’s still a long season ahead, and those kinds of things don’t really depend on the players. 

“Right now, we’re focused on this—sharing the locker room with the three goalkeepers and trying to enjoy ourselves.”

Learnings from Atletico Madrid

Barcelona are entering a decisive phase of the season, with crucial matches against Atletico Madrid on the horizon. 

Garcia was asked what lessons the team could take from their previous Copa del Rey encounter.

“I think that tie helped us learn to realise that in certain moments of a match, if you’re not comfortable, you can try to keep the score from getting as lopsided as it did, so you still have a chance in the second leg. 

“But I think this will be a totally different tie, and we’re really eager and working as hard as we can to win it.”

The magic of the Champions League

As a player now involved in Europe’s biggest competition, Garcia also shared his feelings about playing in the Champions League.

Joan Garcia is living the dream. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“You definitely feel a special atmosphere. After all, it’s the top club competition in Europe. So yes, it’s important, and every match demands the utmost effort.”

When asked what it would mean to win the competition, his answer reflected a lifelong dream.

“It would be a dream come true. Every player dreams of winning the biggest title, and, as I said, at the club level, the Champions League is the biggest.”

Garcia also addressed a recent scare during a match against Newcastle United, which briefly raised concerns about his availability.

“It was a discomfort I felt, but above all, I hoped it wasn’t anything serious. 

“Luckily, it turned out to be nothing, and I haven’t had to stop. In that moment, that’s what you think—that it’s nothing.”

Learning from Szczesny

The Barcelona goalkeeper also spoke about his relationship with teammate Wojciech Szczęsny, who has been an important figure in the dressing room.

Discussing their bond and what he has learned from him, Garcia said,

“I have a very good relationship with him. You can already see what he brings to the team, but personally, on a tactical level and in terms of football, he’s also helped me a lot. 

“He’s been at the top level for many years, and I’m thrilled for any help he can give me. I soak up everything he tells me.”

Finally, Garcia revealed how Hansi Flick reacted when he received the news of his Spain call-up.

“He congratulated me. He also told me he was really happy they’d called me up and, above all, to really enjoy it—that it’s a wonderful experience,” he concluded.