The Spanish newspaper 'Sport' reported that Barcelona made an important adjustment in the team's leadership hierarchy after the German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen was loaned to Girona until the end of the season, leaving a leadership gap filled by the management.

The newspaper explained that Eric Garcia has become the fifth captain of the first team and will wear the captain's armband in the absence of the other four leaders, as happened this season during the team's match against Atletico Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou.

The paper noted that Garcia's selection was based on criteria of experience, athletic performance, and his influence within the group, while Ferran Torres will be next in the leadership order, with Robert Lewandowski temporarily remaining out of the leaders' list.

The formation of the leadership group before Ter Stegen's loan included: Ter Stegen as the first captain, followed by Ronald Araújo, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, and Pedri, and the team maintained this order for more than a year despite some internal incidents.

It is noted that Ter Stegen previously faced a disciplinary situation where his captaincy was temporarily withdrawn for not signing the medical report of his back injury, before the captaincy was quickly restored after resolving the dispute.

For his part, Eric Garcia, who returned to Barcelona in the summer of 2021 after his contract with Manchester City ended, has become one of coach Hans Flick's most trusted players and can play as a central defender, full-back, or defensive midfielder.

Garcia also stands out as a key player for the current season, having participated in all the team's official matches this season despite suffering a nose injury and having to play with a protective mask, making his assumption of the captaincy a natural and confirmed step within the team.