Eric Garcia talks Hansi Flick, Lamine, Pedri, Raphinha, Dembele, Ballon d’Or, PSG | OneFootball

Barcelona’s start to the new season has been near-perfect and all that has prevented them from being on top of the table in La Liga is Real Madrid’s form.

So far, the Catalans have won all their games barring the draw against Rayo Vallecano which, in all reality, was at a very challenging away ground.

The team’s real kick-start, however, arrived against Valencia and they continued the same momentum against both Newcastle United and Getafe more recently. Now, they stare at a difficult part of the season with Real Sociedad, PSG, Sevilla, and Girona all on their calendar.

Garcia speaks on the team’s objectives

Speaking to the club’s official social media in a recent interview, Barcelona defender Eric Garcia dove deep into his resurgence at the club, how he feels at Barcelona, and his ambitions for the ongoing season.

He began by speaking about his current run of form, prominence for the club, and whether it was his best version as a professional player so far.

“I always believe that the best is yet to come. It’s true that at the start of this season, I’ve been able to enjoy a lot of starting positions and a lot of minutes. I think it’s something to continue.”

“In the end, the most important thing is that the team is doing well, we’re winning games. We’ve only just started, so hopefully we can continue like this throughout the season,” he added.

He was then asked about whether or not he saw the current season positively given their start to the campaign.

“Yes, of course. We drew at Rayo’s ground, which is a difficult place to play, not everyone wins there, but apart from that, I think we’re very happy.”

“We’re at the top of the league, we started the Champions League with a win at a very difficult ground. So, I think we’re in a good place right now,” he added.

Speaking about the more near-term future, the player was asked about the team’s plans against Real Oviedo and Real Sociedad.

“They are important because it’s a week with three games, the one against Getafe the other day and the two coming up now. It’s important to win because we drew at Rayo’s ground, we can’t afford any more draws.”

“If we want to be there and win the league again, which is the goal, we can’t let these games slip away,” he added.

Barcelona face PSG next week. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Garcia also opened up on his feelings ahead of the UEFA Champions League against PSG, which is also just around the corner.

“Well, I’m looking forward to it. I think last year we were all left with a bit of a bitter taste in our mouths, because if we had beaten Inter, we would have played PSG in the final.”

“A game that, in my opinion, pitted the two teams that played the best soccer against each other. I’m looking forward to it, obviously, I’m looking forward to it,” he added on the potential final that never happened.

Garcia also spoke on the UEFA Champions League and whether it was a serious goal for Barcelona this season.

“I think that when you’re at Barça, you have to win every title possible, obviously. Last year we were close. Hopefully, we can repeat the season we had, and if we win the Champions League, even better.”

On Hansi Flick

The interview then shifted onto the topic of Hansi Flick, with the player first being asked his thoughts on the manager praising him as intelligent and versatile.

“Well, I think I’m an intelligent person in the field. I’m also a hard worker. Like all players, our goal is to be available as often as possible, because we all want to play.”

“We know that playing every three days increases the risk of injury, as the physical demands are greater. So yes, in that respect, I do consider myself a hard worker too,” he added.

Speaking on the importance of Flick in his resurgence at the club, the defender humbly said,

“Very important. He has shown me a lot of trust, played me in many positions, and given me a lot of confidence. I think that’s very important for a player.”

Garcia also acknowledged the great style of football Flick has brought to Barcelona and how it was one of high risk and high reward.

Garcia has thrived under Flick. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“I think it’s modern soccer. Sometimes we indeed take risks, but I think that’s the way we play. If we do it well, we’ll often leave our opponents out of the game.”

“That helps us a lot. And, offensively, I think we have a style of play that is very attractive and exciting. And with the players we have up front, even more so,” he added.

The player was asked about how it was for him to adapt to a new style of football, and he spoke in depth about how the process was not easy.

“I think you could see it last season. At first, obviously, as with everything in life when there’s something new, it’s a little difficult to adapt. But I think the adaptation was quick because of the ‘difficulty’ involved.”

“Our opponents know us better this year and know what we do. We have to try to adjust the things we’re doing to improve it.”

He even spoke about what his favoured position on the field was, especially given that he plays at multiple positions based on the manager’s needs.

“I’ve always played centre-back since I was little. I’m also very comfortable at right back, but I have to try to help wherever the coach asks me to.”

“Depending on the game, whether I’m a starter or a substitute, I know I can play in more positions. So I try to help the team as much as possible,” he added.

On the Ballon d’Or results

Garcia then admitted that he did follow that Ballon d’Or event and was asked what he made of his teammates’ finishes in the standings.

“The positions are not entirely appropriate for me. I think Pedri and Raphinha should be higher up, after the season they had. Lamine Yamal, obviously, could have won. I think everyone knows that.”

“But I also think that Dembélé had a very good season, especially collectively, winning many titles. He was also our teammate, so I’m happy for him,” he added.

Lamine finished second in the Ballon d’Or rankings. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

The defender also placed high praise on Lamine Yamal, naming him when asked who the best player on the planet was.

“Lamine Yamal. He’s proving he has incredible talent every day he plays. But I’ll say it again, I think Dembélé had a very good season.”

On Barcelona and the Camp Nou

Towards the end of his interview, the La Masia graduate was asked to speak on how the team were longing to return to the Spotify Camp Nou.

“All the players, the fans, and I want to return home, to our stadium, with everyone there. I think it will give us an extra boost when we play our matches, because Spotify Camp Nou is a very impressive stadium.”

Finally, he was asked what he loved the most about playing for Barcelona, to which he said,

“For a player like me, like many others on the team who have been here since we were kids, playing at La Masia, everything that growing up here means, making it to the first team, winning titles with the club of your life, I think it’s very important.”

“My family has also been Barça fans since I was little, they took me to the stadium and now, being able to play at Spotify Camp Nou, when we return, will be even more special. It’s a dream come true,” he added.

On his personality and life off the field

Commenting on his role in the dressing room, especially given that he has so many of his compatriots, the defender said,

“I think I have a very good relationship with everyone. I try to be friendly and help my teammates in any way I can. I also try to bring a little humor to the locker room, which I think is important because we spend many, many hours together during the season.”

“We practically see our teammates more than our families. I think we all have a very good relationship, and that’s very important,” he added.

He then admitted that he was a joker and prankster behind the scenes.

“I’m a joker, yes, but not a troublemaker. I do like to have a bit of fun when it’s appropriate, to take the pressure off a little in very important games.”

“There are a lot of training sessions, a lot of commitments. So, I think it’s valuable to have a good atmosphere in the group so that we can relax a little more,” he added.

The player was then asked about the experience of sharing the dressing room with so many players younger than him who are all at the beginning of their professional careers.

“It’s a dream for all of us who have been at La Masia since we were little. To make it to the first team, to be here together, I think that in terms of soccer, we all speak the same language.”

“And, since we’re all so young, I think there’s an incredible atmosphere in the locker room,” he added.

Source: FC Barcelona website