Flick explains key selection decision for Barcelona’s cup tie vs Racing: ‘That’s why he’s playing’ | OneFootball

Having opted to start Marc-Andre ter Stegen in Barcelona’s first Copa del Rey game of the season against Guadalajara in December, manager Hansi Flick has opted to go with Joan Garcia tonight in their Round of 16 clash vs Racing Santander.

The German tactician had left the possibility of going in with the summer signing open in the build-up to the match, and has now decided to start him ahead of both Ter Stegen and Wojciech Szczesny.

Speaking to Movistar+ (h/t Mundo Deportivo), ahead of kickoff at Estadio El Sardinero, Flick made it clear why he opted to go with Garcia over his other goalkeepers for the cup tie.

“Joan is the number one, and that’s why he’s playing; it’s an important match,” he stated.

Joan Garcia starts in the Copa del Rey clash. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

The German coach also explained the six changes compared to the starting XI that faced Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final last Sunday in Jeddah, with the likes of Pedri, Eric Garcia, and Raphinha being benched.

“Some players need to rest, we have to be careful with that, but everyone who plays knows the importance of the match,” the Barcelona manager said.

Regarding their opponents, Racing Santander, Flick warned: “They play very well, they have a very direct style of play and we have to be careful with this and be alert in defence.”

Finally, when asked whether Real Madrid’s elimination against Albacete should serve as a warning for Barcelona ahead of tonight’s match, the Barcelona coach reasoned:

“It’s the Cup, these things happen, but let’s hope it doesn’t happen today.”