Joan Garcia talks Farinas, high defensive line, Atletico Madrid and more after Barcelona 6-1 Alaves

Joan Garcia talks Farinas, high defensive line, Atletico Madrid and more after Barcelona 6-1 Alaves FC Barcelona came back to winning ways on Saturday evening thanks to a resounding performance that saw them secure a 6-1 victory over Deportivo Alaves. The dominant night saw Lamine Yamal and Raphinha both score a brace, though Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia will be disappointed not to have retained a clean sheet, as Alaves’ Mariano Diaz scored a late goal. Speaking to the media after the game, Garcia talked about the response to a difficult week, his makeshift defence and the fine margins that cost them against Europe’s elite. Garcia’s view on Barcelona performance Garcia was delighted with the manner of the bounce-back, even though a late goal denied him a clean sheet. It was a dominant display from Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) “We did our job. We were focused and played well. We had to respond after the tough week we had with two defeats. We’re still top of the league ,” he said. “We have to keep a cool head to stay in first place. As for the goal we conceded? Every goalkeeper will tell you the same thing, that they want a clean sheet, but the important thing is to win,” he added. Garcia will take the result, especially after a trying weekend against Real Madrid, where he conceded two goals. Praise for de Jong and Farinas The goalkeeper reserved special mention for Frenkie de Jong and Brian Farinas, both of who also received praise from Hansi Flick for their strong performances in rather unfamiliar roles. “It was a somewhat unusual defensive line for us. But Frenkie and Brian showed great character and demonstrated how good they are as players. Brian had a very good game in a difficult match because it wasn’t his usual position ,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo ). “He showed the personality he has. And Frenkie gives us a lot on the ball; he almost never loses it. Good players can perform well regardless of their position. That’s exactly what they both showed today. I’m very happy for them ,” he added. Lots of learning When asked about the recent defeats to PSG and Real Madrid, Garcia pinpointed small details as the difference. “Against these great teams like PSG and Real Madrid, everything comes down to details at the end. Here in the last match against Madrid, we did many things well, but in the end, it all came down to two details. Barcelona will be more confident for games ahead. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) “We must focus on that, on maintaining concentration, avoiding mistakes, because we know that we have a lot of potential up front, and if we are a reliable and solid team, we have a much better chance of winning,” he said. Despite those results, he was adamant the team has improved defensively, while also defending the high line of press that was criticized widely after the Real Madrid defeat. “We have taken a step forward and I think we are conceding far fewer chances than last year, but we still need to polish a couple of things. “It’s also our style of play; we know we have that risk and we have shown that it’s worth taking it. It’s true that you are obviously a bit more exposed, but I think that in attack it’s worth taking those risks ,” he said. Finally, with a Champions League meeting with Aston Villa and a trip to Atletico on the horizon, Garcia is excited for the coming weeks. “We’re really looking forward to what’s coming up. It’s been great to rest a bit more this week and win this match. And the way it went also helps a lot. “Now, we’re thinking about resting, preparing for the next Champions League match here at home, and we’re really looking forward to it and playing a good game,” he concluded.