Eric Garcia discusses Barcelona’s strong start and reveals what sets Flick’s team apart from Guardiola’s

There is something different about Barcelona this season that has caught the attention, with the players themselves beginning to recognise just how high the team’s level has become. The strong start has not come by chance, but comparisons with one of Barcelona’s greatest teams have opened a new debate.

As discussions grow over whether Hansi Flick’s Barcelona can reach the level of Pep Guardiola’s iconic side, Eric Garcia offered a clear response while also highlighting a fundamental difference between the two teams and the way they play.

Garcia explained that there are certain similarities between the current Barcelona side and Guardiola’s team, but stressed that the present squad does not play in the same way. According to the Spanish defender, Guardiola’s Barcelona relied on complete and absolute control of matches, while Flick’s team has a different identity in several important aspects.

Garcia pointed out that pressing is an extremely important part of Barcelona’s current approach, particularly pressing immediately after losing possession, constantly putting pressure on the opposition and suffocating them throughout the game, while also maintaining a very high defensive line.

The Barcelona defender acknowledged that the current team can enjoy periods of control during matches, but believes the heavy emphasis on constant pressing makes Flick’s approach different from the style that became synonymous with Guardiola’s Barcelona.

Garcia also discussed Barcelona’s impressive start to the season, explaining that even the players themselves are sometimes surprised by the level they are producing because they see that quality clearly during training sessions.

However, the defender stressed that the season is still in its early stages and that there is a long road ahead. He believes that maintaining this consistency throughout the campaign could allow Barcelona to achieve major things.

Garcia also spoke about Barcelona’s clash with Real Madrid, insisting that El Clasico always has something special about it and describing it as the biggest match in world football. He also reflected on watching Clasico encounters during Jose Mourinho’s era.

Away from football, Garcia described himself as a quiet and home-loving person, saying that he spends his time watching football, playing PlayStation with friends and training. At the same time, he admitted that he hates losing and is affected by defeat quite strongly.