Hansi Flick lauded Joan Garcia’s excellent efficiency for Barcelona, claiming he “saved us” of their 2-0 win over Villarreal on Sunday.
Barcelona restored their four-point lead on the high of LaLiga due to the victory, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal getting the targets towards their 10-man hosts.
Flick’s aspect have been prolific in entrance of purpose in 2025, netting 169 targets in 60 matches throughout all competitions, whereas they’ve scored in every of their final 38 LaLiga outings (103 targets).
However it was on the different finish of the pitch that Flick wished to attract the eye, with Garcia making 5 saves and one clearance as he held Villarreal at bay.
“He saved us on many events,” Flick mentioned of Garcia. “I’m additionally very glad he stored a clear sheet once more.
“He is a vital participant for us. However we’re a staff. All of us defend with and with out the ball. We have been a bit drained, and we missed some passes.
“I’m glad that Joan is in my staff, however it’s not my job whether or not or not he goes to the nationwide staff.”
Barcelona have gained every of their final eight matches, scoring two or extra targets in all of these.
In December, they’ve gained all six of their video games in all competitions, and Flick is delighted to be heading into the winter break on a excessive.
“I feel we’ve overcome a whole lot of issues this 12 months,” he added.
“A very powerful factor is how the staff trains. Everybody provides 100%. You’ll be able to see in coaching how we’re. We have to relaxation and stay Christmas as a household.
“The important thing has been the defence; now we have labored on it and in addition the return of high quality.”
Marcelino, in the meantime, was left pissed off after his aspect performed over half the match at a numerical drawback, with Renato Veiga being despatched off within the thirty ninth minute for a poor deal with on Yamal.
He additionally felt they need to have had a penalty when Garcia caught Rafa Marin, which was not given, as Villarreal’s six-game profitable streak got here to an finish.
“In a second play, the penalty comes. I don’t know what the distinction is between the penalty and the one during which Joan Garcia will get up and shoots Rafa Marin,” Marcelino mentioned.
“Our possibilities have been clearer, past the penalty and a crossbar from Raphinha. Barca’s most decisive participant was the goalkeeper.
“We made an avoidable mistake, which is the pink card. I mentioned to the referee: ‘What occurs if he will get a yellow card after which goes to the VAR?’ He informed me that he had seen it very clearly.
“For me, it has been extra of pressure. For me, it’s not expulsion… Nicely, seeing it on one other digicam, possibly sure. It goes at floor stage.
“In soccer, it’s a must to stay within the moments. There isn’t any twisting of the ankle. With the attractive present we have been seeing, to go away a staff with ten…”