Joan Garcia jokes about quiet Barcelona night as Unai Simon earns Athletic Club praise

Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia joked that he would sign a pledge promising opponents would not shoot at him after collecting the La Liga goalkeeper of the season award before Thursday’s match against Athletic Club.

Garcia then had little to do during the game as Barcelona kept a clean sheet for the second consecutive match, leaving him more of a spectator than a central figure on the pitch.

“I am ready to sign a pledge that the opponents will not shoot at me in every match,” Garcia said with a smile after the final whistle, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.

The Barcelona goalkeeper also praised Spain team-mate Unai Simon, who was named player of the match.

“We played a great game against an opponent that always makes things difficult,” Garcia said. “Unai was the best, and that means we attacked well and created chances. We could have scored more, but the most important thing is that we were good defensively.”

Garcia said Barcelona’s defensive display was particularly encouraging, with the back line adapting to a system that demands concentration throughout the match.

“Everyone played a great game,” he added. “The defence, with this system which is complicated for them and requires them to stay focused for the whole match, performed at a very high level.”

Garcia backs Barcelona’s academy players

The 25-year-old also singled out Xavi Espart for special recognition, highlighting the continued contribution of players developed by Barcelona’s academy.

“Xavi Espart is amazing. He is another player to come through the club’s academy,” Garcia said. “Given that I already feel a little like a veteran at 25, I try to help and support them.”

Garcia believes Barcelona have a younger squad than they did last season, but said the group possesses the energy and ambition to make progress.

“I see that everyone is feeling very enthusiastic,” he said. “We have a younger group than last year. We have a lot of energy and desire to do beautiful things with many players from the club.”

He also pointed to the depth available to the manager, suggesting Barcelona can handle the demands of the season by managing the players’ minutes.

“We have a fairly complete squad, and we can manage the minutes,” Garcia added. “If we do not demand more from ourselves, we will not achieve it. We are on the right path, but we have only just started.”

Garcia supports Barcelona over incident involving fan

The goalkeeper was also asked about a police assault involving a young Barcelona supporter before the club’s match against Elche.

“These are things we do not like to see in the world of football,” Garcia said. “The club has made its decision and we stand with the club. We do not have much influence over these matters, but as far as the decision made by the club is concerned, we support them fully.”

The comments came after Garcia had received his award before the meeting with Athletic Club, while his own contribution to the match was defined by Barcelona’s defensive record and a second successive clean sheet.