Garcia has now confirmed that the tactical switch was not a one-off experiment.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After speaking with Flick, the defender revealed that the Barcelona manager wants to give him an extended run at full-back during the new campaign.<\/p>\n
Garcia confirms Flick wants him at right-back<\/p>\n
Eric Garcia\u2019s versatility has made him an important option for Barcelona, and it appears Flick is ready to make greater use of that quality.<\/p>\n
The defender was deployed at right-back against Al-Ahly, allowing Kounde to move into the heart of the defence.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Speaking after the match, Garcia confirmed that Flick had already discussed the position with him.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe manager told me that this year he\u2019d like to try me out there. It\u2019s a position I\u2019m happy in.\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"Erci](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/fc-basel-v-fc-barcelona-pre-season-friendly-16-1024x683.jpg\")
Eric Garcia played as a right-back. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve already told him that wherever I play, I\u2019ll be happy. I feel comfortable at full-back,\u201d said Eric Garcia about his new position in defence.\u201c<\/p>\n
He also noted that \u201cit\u2019s a privilege for me to be one of the captains, even if it\u2019s only temporary.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Spaniard was also asked whether Barcelona need another attacking signing after losing both Lewandowski and Ferran.<\/p>\n
Garcia believes the current squad already has enough players to cover the positions left vacant by the two forwards.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe two centre-forwards we had have left. We\u2019re what we\u2019ve got; I think we have plenty of options up front. Anthony (Gordon) can play there, Karim (Adeyemi), Rapha has played there; even Lamine.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHamza is doing very well. Luckily, that\u2019s the sporting director\u2019s job, not mine. We\u2019re happy with what we\u2019ve got, which is already a lot. If someone comes in, they\u2019ll be welcome,\u201d said Eric Garcia.<\/p>\n
Balde backs Rodri arrival and dismisses Cancelo concerns<\/p>\n
While Garcia could have a new role on the right side of Barcelona\u2019s defence, Balde remains focused on his own position despite the expected arrival of Joao Cancelo.<\/p>\n
The Barcelona left-back insisted that he is not concerned about increased competition and remains confident about what he can bring to the team this season.<\/p>\n
![\"Alejandro](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/fc-basel-v-fc-barcelona-pre-season-friendly-15-1024x683.jpg\")
Alejandro Balde is not stressed about competition from Joao Cancelo. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
\u201cThe truth is, I\u2019m a very laid-back guy. It\u2019s true that there\u2019s been a lot of talk around me lately \u2013 a lot of things \u2013 but the truth is, I think I\u2019m doing things right.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not someone who ever reads the press, but ultimately it\u2019s inevitable that things will come to light. I have to focus on myself and keep working,\u201d said Balde.<\/p>\n
He also believes Rodri\u2019s arrival could make a major difference to Barcelona as they look to compete for more silverware.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a very good player. Right now, I think he\u2019s the best \u2013 or one of the best \u2013 defensive midfielders in the world.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s won a Ballon d\u2019Or, he\u2019s a very experienced player, and I think he\u2019ll be a great asset to the team,\u201d said Balde on Rodri\u2019s signing.<\/p>\n
With the La Liga opener against Elche approaching, Balde admitted that Barcelona have had to deal with an unusual pre-season because several international players returned late following the World Cup.<\/p>\n
Still, he believes the squad are ready for the challenge ahead.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe team is in good shape,\u201d Balde noted before making Barcelona\u2019s ambitions clear: \u201cWe are Bar\u00e7a and we have to win every title,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n