‘It’s killing us’ – Eric Garcia analyzes Barcelona’s defensive problems

Barcelona defender Eric Garcia has delivered a candid assessment of the club’s recent defensive frailties, admitting that repeated giveaways are “killing us” and inviting opponents to create an avalanche of chances. Speaking to Catalunya Radio after back-to-back defeats to Atlético Madrid and Girona, the 23-year-old centre-back outlined where Hansi Flick’s high-risk, high-line approach is unravelling and why the squad remains convinced the German’s blueprint can still deliver silverware.

“We wanted to talk about what happened,” Garcia said of Thursday’s lengthy squad meeting. “The way we lost the first and then the second game magnifies everything. The Copa del Rey semi-final was very important, and we lost the lead in Girona. It was a positive meeting, and we all left happy.”

Flick, who has overseen four titles since taking charge, used the session to reaffirm his commitment to an aggressive, ball-dominant style and to demand greater intensity when possession is surrendered. Garcia insists the message has landed. “Since he arrived, we’ve had this style of play with a high defensive line. In La Liga, we’ve conceded 23 or 24 goals, which isn’t excessive, but in the Champions League, we’ve had high-scoring matches.”

The crux of the problem, according to Garcia, is not the system itself but the frequency with which Barça cough up the ball in compromising positions. “We know that with our style, our opponents understand us. The key is that they create more chances against us. Lately, we’ve been giving the ball away a lot, and it’s killing us. In Girona, if instead of 15 attacks, they only had six or seven… We’re human, but it’s about regaining control of the ball to find balance.”

Garcia highlighted the tactical chess match that unfolds when opponents commit six players to press Barça’s build-up. “If the opponent puts six players on you, we’re at a disadvantage. If we’re able to pin the opponent back in their own area, we can press better after losing possession.”

The former Manchester City defender also dissected the Atlético defeat, noting that “almost all of their attacks came from counter-attacks due to our turnovers.” He acknowledged that Atlético’s coaching staff had clearly studied Barça’s left-sided tendencies, where Alejandro Balde’s forays forward leave space, while Jules Koundé on the opposite flank tucks in to cover. “They know they can create more danger down the wings,” Garcia conceded.

Looking ahead, Barcelona must regroup for league encounters with Levante and Villarreal before the pivotal Copa del Rey semi-final return leg against Atlético. Garcia, who has featured as both a centre-back and defensive midfielder this season, believes the squad’s faith in Flick’s methods remains intact. “This style of play has led us to win four titles,” he reminded supporters. “We live with these risks. It’s more about knowing when we can actually take advantage of them.”

For now, the emphasis is on smarter decision-making in transition. “If you’ve just come from a period where the opponent has had possession for three minutes and you’re feeling overwhelmed, perhaps you should start calmly, pin them back. We’ve done it in many matches, but lately it hasn’t worked out.”

With the Champions League resuming and a cup final berth on the line, Garcia’s rallying cry is clear: cut out the cheap concessions, and the trophies can still follow.