The defender made a calm but confident assessment of the team’s situation heading into the decisive months.
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García began by revealing that he remains in regular contact with club legend Carles Puyol, who continues to guide him.
When asked about his role models, he made it clear who shaped his understanding of advocacy.
“Puyol. What I have been able to talk to him about, what I saw as a child, what he transmitted to me. And (Javier) Mascherano too.
“They are two people who set an example, with sacrifice, intelligent in the field and who gave everything.
“I have a closer relationship with Puyi. He has always tried to help me; he is approachable and we have people in common.”
Partnership with Cubarsi
Eric García has formed a stable couple with Pau Cubarsi. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
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As his association with Pau Cubarsi became more consistent, comparisons naturally arose. García explained the connection between them.
“Cubarsi and I already had the Olympic experience together, I came from Girona and he was already at Barça.
“We get along well on and off the court. He is very young, he has incredible potential and that brought us together. Now we understand each other very well.
“But if I play with Ronald, I have also been with him for many years; with Andreas; with Geri, who plays center back.
“We have very good options at the back. But with Cubarsi I already had that previous connection.”
Regarding his tactical flexibility, something that has helped him gain minutes, García admitted that adapting has always been part of his game.
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“I have always liked to adapt, my year in Girona opened me up in that sense, now it is almost normal, especially at the beginning of the season.
“Less since December, but it makes you grow and is useful for the team.”
Although he has played multiple roles, he clarified which one feels most natural.
“Yes, I have always played as a center back, I feel comfortable as a winger, I played almost exclusively there, in Girona.
“Playing as a pivot is more difficult for me, but I adapt depending on the type of game.”
Current situation
Eric García prefers to maintain a positive attitude. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Regarding the title race, García acknowledged Barcelona’s recent decline, but backed the team’s mentality.
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“We are used to winning a lot. When we get two bad results, it’s time to reflect. I think that can strengthen us for the final stretch.”
“We have regained the lead and I am still confident that we can come back in the Cup. And then in the Champions League, where we are already in exciting rounds.”
Reflecting on difficult games against Atlético Madrid and Girona, he opened up about the shortcomings.
“Against Atlético everything went well in the first half, it was a matter of intensity and attitude.
“In a Cup semi-final we should have come out with a different mentality. The disallowed goal, seven minutes into stoppage time, screwed us up a lot.
“And against Girona we suffered a lot, it was a complicated match. They are strong with the ball at home. It was a week to talk about many things and improve.”
“Against Levante the team did what they had to do.”
Arbitration controversy
Regarding the refereeing controversies this season, García remained calm.
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“The mistake has been admitted, but we cannot control it. The coach always says that we have to focus on our own game.”
When asked if the official apology comforted him, he responded: “The game is over and they are not going to give us back the points.”
Looking ahead to the Copa del Rey semi-final against Atlético, García was convinced.
“With this coach the team has shown that it never gives up. At home, with the fans and almost the entire squad available, we have a lot of quality.
“If we score early, the stadium will come alive and we will have to take advantage of that. I think we can come back.”
La Liga and UCL
García believes that Barcelona can win La Liga and the UCL. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
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Speaking about the close La Liga race against Real Madrid, he put the responsibility on the squad.
“It is a challenge and it is our turn to be champions. The Real Sociedad match was a match that we should not have lost because we deserved to win.
“The other day in Girona, despite the referee’s mistake, we were not at the level we should have been.
“But I think the team is ready. We have some difficult away games left, but we have the quality to do it.”
With the Champions League draw approaching, Garcia remained realistic but optimistic.
“Whatever team we have, it’s going to be difficult, but playing the second leg at home always helps.
“We have also had two calmer weeks, so we have been able to recover physically.
“Last year the Milan game hurt us a lot, but a year has passed, we have more experience and I think that will help us.”
Finally, when asked directly if Barcelona can lift Europe’s biggest trophy despite strong English competition, García made a bold statement.
“I believe in our idea and our game, I believe we are the best.
“Then we will have to prove it on the field, but I am convinced that we can fight for the Champions League and for all the titles.” he concluded.