Joan García Discusses Barcelona’s Current Landscape and Challenges

In an interview on the program Tu Diràs on RAC1, Joan García reflected on the current situation surrounding FC Barcelona. The goalkeeper, who is beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel following his surgery, spoke candidly about several hot topics, including the possibility of Lionel Messi’s return to Barcelona, his competition with Marc-André ter Stegen for the starting position, and the pubalgia issues affecting Lamine Yamal that have hindered his concentration during the World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

The potential return of Messi to Barcelona and the Spotify Camp Nou has created a media frenzy, exciting the Blaugrana supporters. García stated, “Given his way of playing, Messi could continue playing as long as he wants. I would love for him to come back and play alongside him, but I am unsure if that will be possible.”

Regarding his own adaptation to the team, García acknowledged that it has not been easy, but he feels increasingly comfortable: “Since I arrived, I’ve felt quite well. It’s true that I had to work hard because it’s a different playing style than what I was used to, but the support I received from day one has been tremendous. I still have areas to improve, but I am feeling more at ease.”

Coach Hansi Flick has placed significant trust in García, urging him to keep things simple: “He mainly asks that I stay alert to passes behind the defense. With the ball, he wants me to be confident, to avoid complicating matters, and to perform my role effectively so that the team can play better. Ultimately, with players of such quality, goalkeepers shouldn’t complicate things. It’s about passing the ball to those players in the best possible conditions.”

Flick has established a recognizable style at Barcelona, notably a high defensive line, which García admits is a risky strategy but can force the opponent into making mistakes: “For us goalkeepers, it means we must stay vigilant throughout the match. It’s a risky strategy, to be honest. However, if executed well with hard work, it pays off. You force the opponent to think and play faster, and when they operate with less space, they are more prone to errors, which allows your team to maintain possession. However, it requires diligent training, as precision is crucial. It proved effective last year, but we need to refine a few things this season. In each match, we try to analyze what went wrong. We aim to make the opponent uncomfortable, reducing their time and limiting their options for passes into space.”

Despite his immediate performance, García acknowledges that there are still aspects to refine. “The coach asks us to support the defensive line as much as possible. However, we know that if we do it too often, statistically, there may be times when it doesn’t go well. Flick commented on this. We played that match, and it can happen; there’s no issue with that,” García admitted.

He also addressed the controversy involving Ter Stegen and Laporta that arose at the beginning of the season concerning Ter Stegen’s injury report, which temporarily stripped him of the captaincy. “There was no need for us to discuss it. It’s something that happens in many places and is a matter between a player and the club. No one knows the complete context from both sides. In the end, it was resolved in the best way possible. Such situations can occur anywhere where differences arise, but ultimately, it was sorted out,” he noted.

When it comes to the competition in goal, García is clear: “Any of the three of us can play. Of course, I am working to be the starter. I started playing and have worked to continue in that position. Now, when I return from injury, I intend to do the same. I will strive to earn the starting role and maintain it until the end.”

Upon learning of the opportunity to join Barcelona, García did not hesitate: “I was focused on what was required. When the firm offer from Barça arrived, from a sporting and future perspective, I had no doubts. However, there was the emotional aspect, which was complicated. I had to consider how it would affect those around me. Everyone had their opinions, but the decision had to be mine, as it was about my future and that of my family. I am very happy with the decision I made.”

Currently, the Blaugrana sit second in the league standings, but the goalkeeper remains hopeful about turning the situation around. “We know it will be a challenging league. We aim to win each match, without looking too far ahead. Lately, things haven’t gone as we desired. We will work to change that, and we have had extensive discussions. I see the team is very focused.”

The ongoing groin issues affecting Lamine Yamal are a setback for Barcelona, but García believes he will improve: “Everyone says that a groin injury is tricky. I have experienced it firsthand. Care is essential. There is no magic cure; one must be cautious about load and increase it gradually. Lamine has made considerable progress, and we hope it continues.”