Joan Garcia reacts after Girona 2-1 Barcelona – ‘My saves don’t mean much if we don’t get any points’ | OneFootball

Joan Garcia was one of the very few positives for FC Barcelona on Monday night as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat away at Girona in the Catalan derby.

The 24-year-old shot-stopper registered his highest number of saves in a league match this season (7), and prevented the defeat against Girona from becoming heavier.

A stunning double while the score was still level was a particularly standout moment, as Garcia stopped the home side from taking the lead earlier. But, he could not prevent them from winning it late in the end.

Garcia not pleased despite MVP award

Despite his display and being named MVP, Garcia downplayed his individual performance, saying it counted for little with Barcelona failing to win.

“At the end of the day, that’s what goalkeepers try to do, but unfortunately, today we conceded more than we would have liked. But my saves don’t mean much if we don’t get any points,” he lamented.

The summer arrival was also critical of the move that led to Girona’s second goal, in which Claudio Echeverri stepped on Jules Kounde, but the referee and VAR did not intervene.

“I couldn’t see it clearly live, it was such a quick move. I’ve seen the replay and, in my opinion, it was a foul. Jules got to the ball first. It was a foul,” said Garcia.

“Maybe you don’t see it at first glance on the pitch, as was the case for me. But what’s surprising is that it wasn’t reviewed, that VAR wasn’t even called upon so that it could be seen clearly on a screen,” he added.

Beyond the refereeing controversy, Garcia pointed to the team’s defensive issues, especially away from home.

“It’s something we need to improve on. We’re conceding too much and too easily. We need to analyse it. We have a week off, which will give us time to work on everything we need to work on. With a cool head, we’ll try to improve,” he said.

Analysing the team’s press, Garcia elaborated: “From the back, you can see it a little better. We press well when the ball is at a standstill.

“When we lose the ball, we need to cut off plays a little more and commit fouls in the opposition’s half. They do that to us. They get to us easily, and that wears us down.”

Regarding a possible call-up to the Spain national team for the Finalissima next month, Joan Garcia made it clear that it is not on his mind at present.

“Not right now. I’m focused on getting through this little rough patch we’re going through,” he concluded.

Source: SPORT