ONE | system
Eric Garcia celebrates with Jules Conde (La Liga)
Barcelona came back from the national team break in a fantastic way. The Catalans, who before the break defeated Real Madrid, ran over Elche tonight (Saturday) 0:4 and opened, at least temporarily, a gap of 15 points at the top. Robert Lewandowski scored twice and set up Fran Torres, when Anso Pati, amid the uproar surrounding his father’s words, completed.
Xavi tried something new by placing Eric Garcia in the center of the link, in the absence of Federico and Frankie de Jong. “It was Jordi Cruyff’s idea,” said the coach. “We’ve been testing him for a few months and I think he had an excellent game. We had a friendly match with the reserve team and Eric did well in that position. He can be a great midfielder.”
The coach continued: “I am very happy for Eric, he is a very committed player, he deserves it. It’s amazing to have so many diverse players on the roster. Sergi Roberto adapts to many positions, Frankie de Jong can do it too and Marcos Alonso plays exceptionally well as a midfielder. Hope Frankie will be fit for the Clasico.”
Garcia, who showed good ability in the new position, added: “I am happy to help the team in any way possible. My position is in defense, but if you need me in the link I will be happy to help. I see myself playing wherever Xavi puts me, in midfield you run a little more than as a brakeman, but I have the qualities to play here.”
