Barcelona boss Xavi reveals he has played Eric Garcia in midfield after Jordi Cruyff pushed for a role change
Barcelona manager Xavi reveals he played Eric Garcia in midfield after Jordi Cruyff urged him to try defender in the defensive role last year… and says staff have ‘tested’ him in training after failing at 4 : 0 victory of the team had starred moose
- Barcelona manager Xavi has credited Jordi Cruyff for Eric Garcia’s midfield role
- Xavi revealed how his sporting director urged him to try Garcia in midfield
- Garcia played a key role in midfield in Barcelona’s dominant win over Elche
Xavi has credited Barcelona’s sporting director Jordi Cruyff with the idea of using Eric Garcia in midfield after the former Manchester City defender starred in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Elche.
Barcelona played in a midfield trio alongside Sergi Roberto and Gavi as the LaLiga leaders cemented a 15-point lead at the top of the table.
Garcia returned to Barcelona on a free transfer in 2021, having previously left the club where he spent his teenage years.
His future at the Nou Camp was uncertain amid interest from Premier League leaders Arsenal but recent success in using him in midfield has drawn rave reviews from Xavi.
“Eric was an idea from Jordi Cruyff, who told me last year he saw him in midfield,” Xavi said after his side’s recent win.
Eric Garcia has received plenty of praise from his Barcelona boss after recent impressive performances in midfield
Xavi (left) credited Barcelona’s sporting director Jordi Cruyff (right) with the idea of using Garcia in midfield
“We talked to the staff about it and tested it for two months.
“We played with the daughter the other day and we could have a great pivot. He made a great game,” he added.
Barcelona are trying to find a replacement for veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets, who is expected to leave Spain at the end of the season once his contract expires.
Garcia (pictured) has fallen down the defensive pecking order at Barcelona but may prefer a new role in midfield
Garcia might not have been the most obvious replacement choice, but an impressive display at the base of a three-man midfielder has given Xavi a new option.
The 22-year-old may need to rely on securing his future as a midfielder after falling way down the defensive pecking order with Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde and Marcos Alonso in front of him at centre-back.
Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Gavi could leave the club in the summer as Barcelona face the prospect of having to capitalize on top talent amid serious financial difficulties.
The 18-year-old has lost his No. 6 shirt and first-team status after LaLiga blocked his new senior contract.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11929923/Barcelona-boss-Xavi-reveals-played-Eric-Garcia-midfield-Jordi-Cruyff-urged-role-change.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 Barcelona boss Xavi reveals he has played Eric Garcia in midfield after Jordi Cruyff pushed for a role change