Hansi Flick makes major Eric Garcia decision ahead of new Barcelona season

Hansi Flick has made a significant decision ahead of the upcoming Barcelona season, setting Eric Garcia as the first-choice right-back. This choice comes after a season-long experiment with Eric in various roles, including centre-back and midfield. The announcement was made with the 2026-27 season approaching and the forthcoming Gamper Trophy against Al Ahly, set for 19 August, providing fans their first look at the full first-team squad.

Rodri, the Spanish midfielder rumored to be joining, is expected to bolster the midfield ahead of the new campaign, potentially allowing Eric to settle comfortably into his new position. Flick's decision to make Eric the starting right-back is supported by the Spaniard's impressive statistics last season, including his high number of touches per match and exceptional pass completion rate.

These qualities, combined with his intelligent ball control and ability to support midfield, make him a valuable asset for Flick's tactical plans. Xavi Espart, a promising young defender, will also play a crucial role alongside Eric in the right-back position. The club's decision to make Eric the primary right-back aims to provide consistency in their defensive structure, preventing the need to switch systems if other players are unavailable.

Jules Kounde, who has traditionally been the club's preferred right-back, may now find himself returning to central defence, a position he previously played at Sevilla. As the new season approaches, the dynamics between Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde will be closely monitored, offering fans an insight into Flick's plans for the season ahead.