Joan Garcia eyes Champions League glory with Barcelona: ‘We have set it as an objective

Joan Garcia eyes Champions League glory with Barcelona: ‘We have set it as an objective’

Barcelona seem to have struck gold with their decision to pay Joan Garcia’s release clause and bring him over from Espanyol at the beginning of last season.

The Spaniard has since risen through the ranks at both club and international level and is now a World Cup winner with his country.

His first season under Hansi Flick was as good as it could get, with Joan showcasing his immense shot-stopping ability on a number of occasions.

In an interview with SPORT , Garcia spoke with quiet confidence about Barcelona’s ambitions, his World Cup experience and the transfer questions surrounding the club.

Spain success despite substitute role

The 25-year-old shot-stopper reflected on his rapid rise.

“My life has changed a lot over these two years, but I live it with great pride because everything that has happened has been positive,” he said.

Garcia did not play during Spain’s World Cup triumph, but insisted he never allowed disappointment to affect the group.

“I handled it very well, of course. It had to be that way. Anything else would have been a mistake, both for me and for the group.

“Honestly, it was handled very well, and even more so when you keep winning and then win the World Cup. Everything was perfect,” he said.

A dream year for Joan Garcia. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

“The substitutes feel just as much like champions as if we had played every minute. In the end, you spend a lot of time with your teammates.

“We were together for almost 50 days and we all suffered. I think you almost suffer more from the bench than when you are on the pitch, and you feel just as involved and just as much a champion,” he added.

He also dismissed suggestions that the goalkeeping debate between Unai Simon, David Raya and himself caused tension.

“Those debates will always exist, but inside the group we handled everything very normally. There was never any problem,” he added.

Garcia supported former La Masia graduate Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid despite the rivalry.

“Everyone decides what is best for their future. Honestly, I think it is a good step for him. When the time came, he got a few jokes, but deep down we were very happy for Marc,” he said.

Trust in Barcelona’s direction

Asked about Julian Alvarez, Garcia praised the striker but refused to enter the transfer discussion.

“I think Julian is very good. Anyone who likes football and watches him will immediately realise that he is a very, very good player and that he has a lot of quality,” he said.

Garcia then explained why he prefers to leave recruitment decisions to the club.

“It is not my job to assess all of that. Personally, I have a lot of confidence in the club’s sporting department and also in the coach.

“I know they speak a lot with each other, and I am convinced they will build the best possible squad to compete for everything,” he added.

On Ferran Torres, Garcia made clear that the dressing room wants him to stay.

“Every situation is different. I think people often speak without knowing what is really happening. The only person who knows exactly what is going through his mind is the player, and I think what we have to do is respect that.

“We are very happy to have him with us, and hopefully that will still be the case next season,” he said.

Full trust in the club’s sporting department. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

The goalkeeper also backed the signings Barcelona have made so far this summer.

“What I would tell the fans is that we have to focus on ourselves. Maybe we have not moved as much in terms of quantity, but I really like what we have signed so far.

“I think both Gordon and Adeyemi will give us a lot. They are the profiles we needed to give us that extra something, and I am very happy they are with us. I am convinced they will help us improve,” Garcia said.

Champions League is the target

Garcia described himself as naturally calm and said that quality helps him handle pressure.

“It is true that I consider myself quite calm, and I think that is a good thing. Now it is about carrying on,” he said.

The Spaniard then outlined his ambitions for Barcelona this season.

“I think it is very clear. We have to continue on the path we are on, win La Liga again, also target the Copa and the Super Cup, which are important trophies for us, and of course the Champions League.

“I think we have to set it as an objective and work for it. We are going to demand the maximum from ourselves to try to win it,” Garcia said.

He also warned against allowing ambition to become unhealthy.

“Of course, obsession is always negative. What we have to do is approach it with desire, confidence and an understanding that it is the competition that demands the most from you. Nothing more,” he added.

Asked how many trophies would satisfy him, Garcia was clear.

“At least the same number we won last season, and obviously we will go for all the others. As many as possible,” he concluded.

Joan Garcia has a key role to play

If Barça are to go on and win all the trophies possible, as Joan claims, he will have to play a key role for the team in the upcoming season.

If there was one minor blip in an otherwise outstanding first season for Joan, it was the fact that he could not step up and do something special in the big Champions League games.

Now, with more experience and the maturity of a World Cup champion, the Spaniard will be keen to kick on and have an even better second season.

It remains to be seen how much better Joan can get and whether he can help bring the Champions League back to Camp Nou .

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →