Hansi Flick Installs Eric Garcia as Barcelona's Starting Right-Back
Hansi Flick has decided to make Eric Garcia Barcelona‘s starting right-back for the 2026-27 season, following pre-season tactical evaluations. The move shifts Jules Kounde back toward central defence, while Garcia will invert into midfield to support Lamine Yamal.
Positional Shift and Squad Implications
Positioning Garcia at right-back allows him to drift inside during possession to support the midfield, leaving Lamine Yamal with extra space on the right wing. Jules Kounde, who previously played at right-back, is now set to shift back to central defence. Academy graduate Xavi Espart (19) will serve as secondary cover in the same inverted right-back role.
Barcelona
clubEric Garcia started 47 games across all competitions last season in multiple roles, averaging 83 touches per match with a 92 percent pass accuracy rate. His technical composure under pressure and ability to move into midfield make him an ideal fit for Flick’s tactical plans.
The decision to make Garcia the first-choice right-back comes ahead of the Joan Gamper Trophy on August 19, which will give fans the first glimpse of the entire first-team squad at Flick’s disposal this pre-season.
Eric García
playerHansi Flick has chosen Eric Garcia as Barcelona’s primary right-back for the upcoming season. Garcia spent last season filling multiple defensive and midfield roles, starting 47 matches. Flick now wants to keep him fixed on the right side of defence, where his 92 percent pass accuracy allows him to tuck inside and support the midfield.
According to SPORT, Hansi Flick’s decision to make Eric Garcia the starting right-back is a tactical move to provide balance and control when attacking from the right. Garcia’s ability to remain composed under pressure and help Barcelona progress possession gives Flick another technically reliable player during the build-up.