MADRID, 13 Apr. (SportsFinding) –
FC Barcelona defender Eric García was satisfied with the current state of the game and the team’s results, something that he attributes to “the union” that Xavi Hernández has brought, with whose ideas they go “to death” and with whom he considers that there is “a very hopeful future”, while, on the other hand, he requested a full Camp Nou this Thursday against the German Eintracht to enjoy “a European night as it deserves”.
“I think that what I highlight the most about Xavi is above all the unity he creates in the team. From the beginning, he explained his ideas to us and the team has gone to death with them and the fruits are visible, it is no coincidence that we scored against Levante in 90. They are complicated games because of how the rivals play, but with the solutions that he brings us in each game, it is really important for us”, said Eric García at a press conference prior to the second leg of the Europa League quarter-finals.
In this sense, on a personal level, the central defender believes that both his current coach and Pep Guardiola, who trained him at City, “are quite similar”. “Above all, he gives me a lot of freedom with the ball to take it out as a player, he is very close with the player, he advises you. Everything he is giving us is being noticed and we have only been with him for four or five months, so the future ahead is very hopeful,” he warned.
The international was “very happy with the dynamics of the team” at this time. “It is something that we have improved a lot. Against Levante we fought until the end and that says a lot about how the team is doing. We are looking forward to it, in the first leg against Eintracht it cost us, perhaps more than we expected. Now we want to play with our people and hopefully the Camp Nou fills up so that we live a European night as it deserves”, he underlined.
“Because of what the club represents, we are obliged to win every game, representing this club means winning every game and giving our best. Before, we didn’t have the results we wanted and now we’re getting them and I’m sure we’ll get them tomorrow” Eric Garcia added.
The defender expects “more of the same” from Eintracht. “The plan worked very well for them and we will have to adapt, but we have solutions for both,” he remarked. “The rivals are closing very well inside because they know that we like to play around there and they are withdrawing more, that shows that we are doing well. It is not relaxation at all, the rivals play and we have to know how to adapt and look for solutions because It could be the tonic that we find from here on out”, he affirmed.
PRAISES TO PIQUÉ AND ARAÚJO
The Catalan recalled that at present “teams are getting better physically, but above all with the ball, now they want to take away from us and that has never happened to us. Levante tried and it is something we have to adapt to and make the highest pressure, but we are not suffering in that physical aspect”, he pointed out.
Asked about the possible presence of Gerard Piqué in the team, his defensive partner pointed out that they know that “Geri brings everything to the team”. “He is one of the best central defenders in the history of the club and I hope he helps us because what he contributes inside and outside is very important”, he confessed. “I’ve always been a culé fan and I could see him play when I was a child. Now playing with him is a privilege because of everything he can teach me,” he added, asking Piqué himself to “ask” if he wants to return to the national team.
He also gave his opinion on Ronald Araújo, who “in a year and a half has shown what the central defender is.” “He’s a beast and he’s fast, because of the style we have, he’s the perfect central defender because we play with a very advanced line and he wins all the duels. I hope he renews,” he wished, making it clear that he doesn’t see any harm in signing a central defender because ” if competition comes, it makes everyone better”. “I am focused on myself and taking advantage of the opportunities I have,” he said.