Atletico

In an in depth interview with , Eric Garcia spoke about his private inspirations, tactical versatility and Barcelona’s ambitions this season.

The defender gave a peaceful however assured evaluation of the place the staff stands heading into the decisive months.

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Garcia started by revealing that he stays in common contact with membership legend Carles Puyol, who continues to information him.

When requested about his position fashions, he made it clear who formed his understanding of defending.

“Puyol. What I’ve been capable of discuss to him about, what I noticed as a baby, what he conveyed. And [Javier] Mascherano too. 

“They’re two individuals who led by instance, with sacrifice, clever on the sphere and who gave their all. 

“I do have a better relationship with Puyi. He has all the time tried to assist me; he’s approachable and we’ve got folks in widespread.”

Partnership with Cubarsi

Eric Garcia has shaped a secure partnership with Pau Cubarsi. (Picture by David Ramos/Getty Photographs)

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Together with his partnership alongside Pau Cubarsi changing into extra constant, comparisons have naturally adopted. Garcia defined the connection between them.

“Cubarsi and I already had the Olympic expertise collectively. I got here from Girona, and he was already at Barça. 

“We obtained on properly on and off the sphere. He’s very younger, with unimaginable potential, and that introduced us collectively. Now we perceive one another very properly. 

“But when I play with Ronald, I’ve additionally been with him for a few years; with Andreas; with Geri, who’s enjoying centre again. 

“We’ve excellent choices on the again. However with Cubarsi, I already had that earlier connection.”

On his tactical flexibility, one thing that has helped him earn minutes, Garcia admitted that adapting has all the time been a part of his sport.

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“I’ve all the time preferred adapting. My 12 months in Girona opened me up in that sense. Now it’s virtually regular, particularly firstly of the season. 

“Much less so since December, but it surely makes you develop and is beneficial for the staff.”

Though he has performed a number of roles, he clarified the place he feels most pure.

“Sure. I’ve all the time performed heart again. I really feel snug at full again; I performed virtually solely there in Girona. 

“I discover enjoying pivot probably the most troublesome, however I adapt relying on the kind of sport.”

Present state of affairs

Eric Garcia prefers to remain optimistic. (Picture by Stuart Franklin/Getty Photographs)

Turning to the title race, Garcia acknowledged Barcelona’s latest dip however backed the staff’s mentality.

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“We’re used to successful rather a lot. After we get two unhealthy outcomes, it’s time to mirror. I believe it might probably strengthen us for the ultimate stretch. 

“We’ve regained the lead and I’m nonetheless assured that we will come again within the Cup. After which the Champions League, the place we’re already within the thrilling rounds.”

Reflecting on troublesome matches in opposition to Atletico Madrid and Girona, he was sincere about shortcomings.

“In opposition to Atletico, every little thing got here collectively within the first half. It was a matter of depth and perspective. 

“In a Cup semifinal, we should always have gone out with a unique mentality. The disallowed purpose, seven minutes of stoppage time, actually screwed us over. 

“And in opposition to Girona, we suffered rather a lot; it was a scrappy sport. They’re robust with the ball at house. It was every week to speak about a variety of issues and enhance. 

“In opposition to Levante, the staff did what it needed to do.”

Refereeing controversy

On refereeing controversies this season, Garcia remained composed.

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“The error has been admitted, however we will’t management it. The coach all the time says we’ve got to deal with our personal sport.”

When requested whether or not , he answered, “The sport is over they usually’re not going to present us the factors again.”

Waiting for the Copa del Rey semi-final in opposition to Atletico, Garcia expressed perception.

“With this coach, the staff has proven that it by no means provides up. At house, with the followers and virtually your complete squad obtainable, we’ve got sufficient high quality. 

“If we rating early, the stadium will come alive and we’ll must benefit from that. I believe we will come again.”

La Liga and UCL

Garcia really feel Barcelona can win La Liga and UCL. (Picture by David Ramos/Getty Photographs)

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Talking concerning the tight La Liga race in opposition to Actual Madrid, he positioned duty on the squad.

“It’s a problem and it’s as much as us to develop into champions. The Actual Sociedad sport was one we shouldn’t have misplaced as a result of we deserved to win. 

“The opposite day in Girona, whatever the referee’s mistake, we weren’t on the degree we should always have been. 

“However I believe the staff is prepared. We’ve some troublesome away video games left, however we’ve got the standard to do it.”

With the , Garcia stayed real looking however optimistic.

“Whichever staff we get, it’s going to be troublesome, however enjoying the second leg at house all the time helps. 

“We’ve additionally had two quieter weeks, so we’ve been capable of recuperate bodily. 

“Final 12 months, the sport in Milan harm us rather a lot, however a 12 months has handed, we’ve got extra expertise, and I believe that can assist us.”

Lastly, when requested immediately if Barcelona can carry Europe’s largest trophy regardless of robust English competitors, Garcia delivered a daring assertion.

“I consider in our thought and our sport. I believe we’re the very best. 

“Then we’ve got to show it on the sphere, however I’m satisfied we will struggle for the Champions League and for all of the titles,” he concluded.