Eric Garcia addresses comparisons between Flick and Guardiola’s Barcelona: ‘We play in a different way’

Eric Garcia addresses comparisons between Flick and Guardiola’s Barcelona: ‘We play in a different way’ Eric Garcia is currently part of the large Barcelona contingent in the Spanish national team, which is gearing up for a UEFA Nations League contest against England this evening. Garcia had recently endorsed teammate Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or title while also speaking about Barcelona’s Champions League ambitions. Now, the defender has opened up about Barcelona’s start to the season and comparisons to Pep Guardiola’s team, among other things. Garcia on Barcelona’s flying start Garcia admitted that even the players themselves are taken aback by the level they are reaching, though he was quick to stress the season is only just beginning. Eric Garcia has quietly become a key player at Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) “There are moments in the match when we’re amazed, because in the end, we ourselves are aware of the level, because we see it in training sessions,” he said (h/t MARCA ). However, he added that the road is still very long and Barcelona must not get carried away by their form right now. “But it’s true that we’re enjoying it. And it’s true that this is just the beginning of the season, and that the road is still very long. But I think that if we maintain this consistency throughout the season, we’ll achieve big things ,” he added. On Mourinho and the Clasico The defender also reflected on Jose Mourinho’s return to LaLiga with Real Madrid. He is anticipating the usual intensity that comes with the fixture. “I think the Barcelona-Madrid match always has that special something. I think it’s the biggest match there can be in the world,” Garcia explained. “And obviously I was very young when those Clasico matches happened, but they were always beautiful to watch,” he said when asked about Clasicos during the Mourinho era. On comparisons with Guardiola’s Barca Garcia was asked whether this Barcelona side could reach the level of Pep Guardiola’s iconic team, to which he said there are certain similarities. “I think that despite there being some similarities, we play in a different way. I think they had complete and absolute control over the game,” he said. However, the defender also pointed out certain things Hansi Flick’s Barcelona does differently, including the pressing. Eric Garcia believes there are certain similarities between Flick and Guardiola’s Barcelona. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images) “And we also achieve that in many periods, but for us, pressing is of utmost importance. “ Pressing after losing the ball, and pressing the opponent all the time, and suffocating them, and playing with a very advanced line. So in that aspect, we’re a bit different from them ,” he said. Finally, Garcia offered a glimpse into his life off the pitch, describing himself as a quiet, homely character, while admitting he hates losing. “Quiet. I watch football, play PlayStation with my friends, and train. And not much more than that,” he said. Asked how he feels when he loses, the defender said, “It pisses me off a lot. Yeah, yeah, my blood’s hot.”