Joan Garcia admits Barcelona move helped secure Spain WC spot: ‘Playing for a club with such high expectations…’

Joan Garcia admits Barcelona move helped secure Spain WC spot: ‘Playing for a club with such high expectations…’ Joan Garcia’s first season at Barcelona has been one to remember. It has changed the perception and scale of his career. A La Liga title, a Spanish Super Cup and a place at the World Cup would be enough for most players to stop and admire the journey. However, speaking in an interview with Catalunya Radio , the goalkeeper spoke with the calm of someone who knows the next step matters just as much. Asked whether being a Barça player helped him earn his place at the World Cup, Garcia was honest about the impact of the move. He said: “I don’t know what would have happened if I had made a different decision. But I’m sure it has helped. There are more matches, and the level of demand is much higher.” “The national team coach wants to see players performing in environments that are as similar as possible to a World Cup or a European Championship. Playing for a club with such high expectations and demands can definitely help the coach make a decision.” Joan Garcia enjoyed a brilliant debut season for Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Garcia did not simply join a bigger club, he had to adapt to new pressure, a new rhythm and a team where goalkeepers are judged on much more than saves. Consistency over highlights Garcia was also asked whether his standout early-season performances were down to his own form or the team’s improvement. His answer showed maturity, as he replied: “No, I think it’s just part of the different phases of a season. Maybe at the start of the season I had some performances that weren’t necessarily better, but perhaps more eye-catching, with more saves during matches.” “What matters most is consistency. It’s very difficult for a player to maintain the same level throughout an entire season.” “What’s important is the team’s consistency. When one player isn’t at their best, someone else steps up. I think that’s been the biggest strength of this season.” Garcia understands that a goalkeeper at this club cannot live only off spectacular nights. He also understands that the less he has to do at Barça , the better the team are playing. Focus now turns to the World Cup Garcia also spoke about Lamine Yamal’s mood after Spain’s draw against Cape Verde. He said: “No, he’s fine. Obviously, everyone likes to win. When you get a result that isn’t what you wanted or expected, your mood isn’t at its highest.” “But that only lasted a day. The following day everyone was still processing it a bit, but now we’re fully focused on Sunday’s match.” Lamine Yamal is fully focused on succeeding at the World Cup. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images) On Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid, Garcia kept things respectful, saying: “No. I think everyone looks for what’s best for their future, their career and their family. Everyone is free to make the decisions they believe are best for themselves, and I’m happy when people can continue progressing in their careers.” Improvement since leaving Espanyol The 25-year-old reflected on how much he has improved since leaving Espanyol. He said: “I think I’ve improved a little bit in every aspect. Accumulating minutes and playing high-pressure matches helps you improve across the board.” “I’ve had to contribute things to the team that perhaps I hadn’t done before. I’ve been put in situations on the pitch that I wasn’t used to, and I think I’ve responded well.” Finally, on winning La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup with Barça before playing at the World Cup, he said: “I’m not someone who spends too much time imagining things. I prefer to focus on the day-to-day.” “But now that the season is almost over, I can say it has been a very positive season. I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved, but at the same time, I’m demanding of myself and already working to make next season even better.” Garcia has grown quickly, but he is not speaking like someone satisfied. He sounds like a player who understands what the badge demands. From the moment he wore Blaugrana , the Spaniard has seemed to have a very calm head on his shoulders, and may it continue for a long time to come.