Eric Garcia: We Won't Change Anything Because of Mbappé, and We Have Confidence
Barcelona star Eric Garcia appeared at a press conference to speak to the media about tomorrow's match against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, to be held at the Al Inma Stadium.
The player said in his interview: "How do you assess your development? And how much credit goes to Flick?" He gave me confidence and playing time. I had to show what I have when I play. I am in a good moment, but I can still improve more."
He added: "Is there a special plan for Mbappé? And did Laporta send you a message? There is no consideration of man-marking. Focusing on just one player would be a mistake. There are many high-level players. We have to play as a team, and if we don't, we won't win."
He added: "How did you work on the mental side? In the end, you have to try to distance yourself mentally. Sometimes you play well, and sometimes less so. Stability is important to understand reality because everything gets exaggerated. My loan to Girona helped me a lot; I got the minutes I needed, and now, fortunately, I’m playing here."
He continued: "What position do you prefer? I have always played as a center-back. With Mitchell, I played as a full-back and felt comfortable, and also as a defensive midfielder, but that position requires more work from me. If I had to choose, I would prefer center-back."
He added: "Whether Mbappé plays or not, we know he is a game-changer and one of the best in the world. But if we improve on what we did well in the last Clasico, we will achieve a good result, whether he plays or not; that won't change anything. If he is ready, that is better for everyone."
He continued: "What is the importance of winning this title? We are entering January with a complicated schedule; next week we have three tournaments. This title gives you comfort and confidence. It is important for everyone to add a new title, especially since most of us are young players. It will give us a strong boost."
He emphasized: "The loss in the last Clasico was painful. Tomorrow is a final and very important match, and facing Real Madrid gives it extra motivation. The World Cup does not depend on me; I am giving my best, and if it is meant for me to reach it, it will happen. The league match was tough on us. Tomorrow we have a chance to turn the page and win the title."
He added: "What is the difference between the Bernabeu match and this one? I have always said that we have many absences, but that is not an excuse. We have developed as a team. We played a great match recently and regained our identity. The Espanyol derby was not good, and Juan almost decided the game, but the last match gave us a lot of confidence."
And about the fans in Saudi Arabia: "They give us incredible support. We hope to be able to deliver a win to our fans in Saudi Arabia tomorrow."
About Yamal's importance: "He is a player who makes a difference, and this is clear. Tomorrow's match is big, and in last season's Champions League, he showed his true level. His return in good condition is very important."
Regarding the candidates to win tomorrow, he said: "We have great confidence. They won the last Clasico, and that was painful for us. Tomorrow is not about who the favorites are; if we do things right, it will be very difficult to beat us. Real Madrid is a great team, but we are confident in ourselves."
He concluded: "Do you exchange advice with Gerard Martin? With him and with everyone. There were times when there were only four defenders on the roster. It's important that we help each other on the field. Lamin is in very good shape and excited for tomorrow's match because it's a big game."
The player said in his interview: "How do you assess your development? And how much credit goes to Flick?" He gave me confidence and playing time. I had to show what I have when I play. I am in a good moment, but I can still improve more."
He added: "Is there a special plan for Mbappé? And did Laporta send you a message? There is no consideration of man-marking. Focusing on just one player would be a mistake. There are many high-level players. We have to play as a team, and if we don't, we won't win."
He added: "How did you work on the mental side? In the end, you have to try to distance yourself mentally. Sometimes you play well, and sometimes less so. Stability is important to understand reality because everything gets exaggerated. My loan to Girona helped me a lot; I got the minutes I needed, and now, fortunately, I’m playing here."
He continued: "What position do you prefer? I have always played as a center-back. With Mitchell, I played as a full-back and felt comfortable, and also as a defensive midfielder, but that position requires more work from me. If I had to choose, I would prefer center-back."
He added: "Whether Mbappé plays or not, we know he is a game-changer and one of the best in the world. But if we improve on what we did well in the last Clasico, we will achieve a good result, whether he plays or not; that won't change anything. If he is ready, that is better for everyone."
He continued: "What is the importance of winning this title? We are entering January with a complicated schedule; next week we have three tournaments. This title gives you comfort and confidence. It is important for everyone to add a new title, especially since most of us are young players. It will give us a strong boost."
He emphasized: "The loss in the last Clasico was painful. Tomorrow is a final and very important match, and facing Real Madrid gives it extra motivation. The World Cup does not depend on me; I am giving my best, and if it is meant for me to reach it, it will happen. The league match was tough on us. Tomorrow we have a chance to turn the page and win the title."
He added: "What is the difference between the Bernabeu match and this one? I have always said that we have many absences, but that is not an excuse. We have developed as a team. We played a great match recently and regained our identity. The Espanyol derby was not good, and Juan almost decided the game, but the last match gave us a lot of confidence."
And about the fans in Saudi Arabia: "They give us incredible support. We hope to be able to deliver a win to our fans in Saudi Arabia tomorrow."
About Yamal's importance: "He is a player who makes a difference, and this is clear. Tomorrow's match is big, and in last season's Champions League, he showed his true level. His return in good condition is very important."
Regarding the candidates to win tomorrow, he said: "We have great confidence. They won the last Clasico, and that was painful for us. Tomorrow is not about who the favorites are; if we do things right, it will be very difficult to beat us. Real Madrid is a great team, but we are confident in ourselves."
He concluded: "Do you exchange advice with Gerard Martin? With him and with everyone. There were times when there were only four defenders on the roster. It's important that we help each other on the field. Lamin is in very good shape and excited for tomorrow's match because it's a big game."