Flick elevates Eric Garcia's status.
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The German coach informed the Martorell native that this season he will maintain the continuity of the second half of the season and will have even more influence.
Eric Garcia was very, very close to leaving Barça last January. The Martorell defender, tired of playing a minor role in the first half of the season, wanted, needed, a leading role. The option of leaving for Girona had already been floated before the start of the season, following a successful loan move. But Flick wanted double positions and halted any departure due to fair play issues.
Indeed, Hansi Flick himself was instrumental in the winter transfer window. He held a transparent and sincere conversation and made Eric understand that he would have his share of the spotlight, that the season was very long, and the opportunity would come. Furthermore, Hansi also "utilized" the team's great sporting momentum and the real possibility of enjoying a historic campaign with the team immersed in four competitions and with real chances of expanding its trophy cabinet.
Following that healthy exchange between the German and the defender, everything changed. The busy schedule meant that the Martorell native was gradually introduced and accumulating minutes. Iñigo was injured, and he also had an impact on the pivot. And we began to see him lurking on the wing as well. First to give Koundé a breather, and then to relieve him when the Frenchman was injured late in the season.
On the wing, we saw an unknown version of the Barcelona native. He linked up wonderfully with Lamine, intense in duels. Displaying tremendous physical stamina. And he overpowered Jules's supposed natural replacement, Héctor Fort. The end of the season for the former City player led to speculation that a renewal was in the offing, with the player's contract ending in 2026 and Flick delighted. The idea hasn't changed, and everything is on track because both parties are happy and envision a joint future.
Looking ahead to the new season, Hansi Flick also plans to elevate Eric's status in the locker room and on the pitch. As has been reported in recent days, Héctor Fort is on the way out and is aware that it will be very difficult for him to get playing time for Barça. This has been conveyed by the Heidelberg coach, who is counting on Koundé and Eric as his first options on the right wing.
The Martorell native is aware that he'll start with considerably more experience than last summer. And Flick's plan for him is to be an important player. Primarily at full-back, a position in which he pleasantly surprised, but also as a lock for center back or even pivot if necessary. Things couldn't have gotten off to a better start for Eric, who started preseason as a starter and was the top scorer in the preparations (another area in which he's emerging).
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