Juan Garcia says Barcelona’s high-risk approach is worth the reward

Barcelona goalkeeper Juan Garcia says the team’s bold style of play more than justifies the risks it creates, despite the exceptional responsibility placed on him by the club’s high defensive line.

The 25-year-old has defended Barcelona’s philosophy, arguing that the chances of making important saves far outweigh the possibility of mistakes when he advances from his goal to support the team.

Garcia returned to the Spain squad after missing the previous international break and spoke to Mundo Deportivo before a morning training session at the Spanish Football Federation’s football city. He reflected on his experience at Barcelona and the competition for places within the national team.

The goalkeeper was one of Barcelona’s standout performers in their most recent victory over Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano. He said the team’s approach demanded constant concentration, but that he was comfortable with the role it required him to play.

“Our style of play requires the goalkeeper to remain completely focused and alert so he can help the team in every possible way,” Garcia said.

“I feel comfortable in this role and I enjoy helping my team-mates in different situations. It is true that it involves a great deal of risk, but in the end it has proved to be worthwhile, and I am happy to be able to contribute.”

Asked how he coped with the dangers of regularly moving away from his goal, Garcia said his focus was on giving his best rather than dwelling on the possibility of an error.

“I do not think about the current moment as much as I focus on doing the best I can,” he said. “Of course, some things can happen that I would not want, but I believe that thinking about it properly usually leads to a positive outcome. You will make many more saves than mistakes.”

Competition for Spain places

Garcia also discussed his return to the Spain squad, where he faces strong competition from several leading goalkeepers. He believes that contest is evidence of the quality of work being done in Spanish football academies.

“I think it reflects the quality of the work being done in Spain’s youth academies,” he said. “Alvaro has joined us now as well, and he is a wonderful goalkeeper who is proving his ability. I am very happy to share a dressing room with them and train alongside them because it helps me continue developing.”

He also described the positive atmosphere among Spain’s goalkeepers and said he had been affected by Unai Simon’s comments about him and David during the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

“Our reaction was wonderful,” Garcia said. “In the end, it is not only about what happens on the pitch, but also about the people and relationships we build away from it.

“I think our relationship is excellent and special. David and I were extremely happy, almost as if we had won the award ourselves. I believe that says a lot about the character of the three of us.”

He added: “The demands of the competition on the pitch are, of course, extremely high, but we are all giving our best, and that is clear during the matches.”

Spain face Czech Republic in Prague and England at Wembley next, with Garcia saying the objective is to maintain their winning run and finish their campaign strongly.

“The aim is clear: to win the matches, continue progressing in the UEFA Nations League and maintain our unbeaten record,” he said. “It is a wonderful and exciting challenge, and it deserves us to give everything we have to achieve it.”