Eric Garcia, Cancelo react after Real Sociedad 2-1 Barcelona: ‘The image they show for the offside…’ | OneFootball

Speaking to the club’s official YouTube channel after the defeat to Real Sociedad, FC Barcelona defender Eric Garcia questioned the officiating during the game, in particular expressing suspicion about Lamine Yamal’s disallowed goal for offside.

Referee Jesus Gil Manzano’s officiating on the night drew criticism from Barça captain Frenkie de Jong and manager Hansi Flick, as the Catalans had three goals chalked off, and other calls went against them.

Eric Garcia questions VAR image

Now, Eric, too, has joined in to raise questions about the match officials, as he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo): “I’m not in the VAR room, but the image they show for the offside… We have to keep going, there’s no other option.”

At the same time, he also explained that the squad are repeatedly reminded by the coach not to lose focus because of refereeing decisions, saying:

“We know how it is. Flick emphasises it a lot, and we know that even though the decisions aren’t in our favour, we have to stick to our game. And even so, we played well, with enough chances to win the match.”

Regarding the overall outcome of the game, the defender felt that Barcelona deserved more, as he remarked:

“A match you should win easily and comfortably ends up losing, but that’s football. We just have to keep going. The team played well, and we dominated.

“It’s true that in the second half there was a moment when they pressed harder, but overall we were good: we had many chances, but we only conceded two crosses into the box, and that’s something we need to improve both offensively and defensively.”

Eric then turned his attention to the UEFA Champions League, with Barcelona set to face Slavia Prague this week.

“It’s something we need to improve for Wednesday’s Champions League match against Slavia Prague. You score the equaliser, and then, on the very next play, they score the 2-1… It was a tough blow,” he said.

“We tried until the end, we had another shot off the post from Kounde, and there’s not much else to say, really.” 

Joao Cancelo reacts

Joao Cancelo made his debut vs Real Sociedad. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Joao Cancelo made his second debut for Barcelona, having joined the club on loan from Al Hilal last week.

The full-back, who played on the left flank, delivered a cross that Jules Kounde headed against the crossbar in one of Barcelona’s five efforts that hit the woodwork.

Speaking to the media after the game, Cancelo explained Hansi Flick had asked of him, saying (h/t Mundo Deportivo):

“Flick asked me for attacking runs and one-on-one situations, and although I missed a few passes, I think I started the game well.”

He also spoke about what the Barcelona sporting department was looking for with his return, saying:

“They want versatility because I can play on both wings and my experience to help the younger players.”

Regarding the match, he said: “We were better, we created chances, but that’s football and sometimes these things happen. Real Sociedad defended very well and scored two good goals.”