Eric Garcia talks Flick, Raphinha, Pedri, Araujo, new signings, captaincy, Ballon d’Or: ‘Lamine should win it’

Eric Garcia talks Flick, Raphinha, Pedri, Araujo, new signings, captaincy, Ballon d’Or: ‘Lamine should win it’ After a memorable year, during which he played a key role in Barcelona’s success and won the World Cup with Spain, Eric Garcia has established himself as a guaranteed starter at right-back this season. Indeed, the Spanish international has overtaken Jules Kounde as the preferred option for Flick and has repaid the manager’s faith with strong performances on the field. Not only that, Eric has also been included in the captaincy group at Barça this season, with the versatile defender joining Raphinha, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and Frenkie de Jong. Eric wants an all-Barcelona podium for Ballon d’Or Speaking in an interview with Que t’hi Jugues , Eric Garcia touched on several important topics related to Barcelona, and he was unequivocal about who he believes should win the Ballon d’Or on 26 October in London. The Barcelona defender believes the podium should be entirely made up of his teammates, with Lamine Yamal his clear favourite. “For me, the podium should be all Barça. Lamine should win it. The fact that Pedri and Raphinha aren’t there is incredible,” he said. Favourite for Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Eric also named several other Barcelona players who he believes deserved recognition, including Pau Cubarsi, who is among the 30 nominees, as well as Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez. When asked to rank his three favourites, he had no hesitation: “Lamine, Pedri and Raphinha.” Flick has transformed Eric’s role Eric also reflected on the importance of Hansi Flick in his recent development, having established himself as the team’s premier right-back. “I didn’t play much in the first year, but he gave me confidence. On the day against Benfica, I came on, scored, then there were injuries and I came back into the team. He gave me incredible confidence,” he said. The defender has started all four of his appearances this season at right-back, although his versatility allows him to operate in several positions. Eric has spent most of his career as a centre-back but became comfortable at full-back following his loan spell at Girona. “I’ve always played as a centre-back, but I feel comfortable at full-back thanks to the year I spent on loan at Girona. I like it,” the Spaniard noted. His willingness to play anywhere even extends to the attack. Eric revealed with a laugh that he has already asked Flick to try him in another position. “I’ve told him to put me up front one day,” the former Man City ace joked. Captaincy, new signings, and Champions League ambitions Eric was also selected by his teammates as one of Barcelona’s captains, another responsibility he is embracing as the club enters an ambitious season. “It’s a privilege. I’ve been like that since I was a kid. Helping my teammates is something that comes naturally to me,” he said. Eric Garcia is one of the captains this season. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) The defender believes Barcelona have enough quality to compete for every major trophy, with the Champions League standing out as a particularly important target. “For two years we’ve been close, but it has come down to small details. We have a complete, high-level squad, and the Champions League has to be an objective.” He has also been impressed by the quality of Barcelona’s new arrivals and the intensity of Flick’s training sessions. “The quality of training is incredible.” “Anthony and Karim give us different things and they have experience. Karim makes a lot of runs in behind, Gabriel will also give us a lot, and with Rodri in midfield, I don’t need to say anything because we all know him very well. They are high-level signings.” There was also time to discuss Ferran Torres, who left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain during the summer. The two clubs will meet in the Champions League league phase on 20 October, and Eric revealed that he remains close to the forward. “I spoke to Ferran today. He’s happy and looking forward to us playing in Paris. We’re already teasing each other. We’re friends.” Why Eric did not take the No. 4 shirt Eric also addressed the departure of Ronald Araújo, who left Barcelona on loan and freed up the No. 4 shirt. Despite being one of the club’s new captains, Eric decided not to take the number out of respect for his former teammate . “Ronald left on loan for a year and, if everything goes well, he’ll come back. It’s his number, so out of respect for him I didn’t take it,” he confirmed. Eric also spoke about the Clasico next month, with the defender suggesting that Jose Mourinho’s arrival adds another dimension. “There’s always excitement, but Mourinho gives it an extra touch,” he stated.