Man City starlet Garcia: Guardiola teaches you something new every day

Eric Garcia caused a stir when he turned his back on Barcelona to join Manchester City in the summer of 2017, but the Spaniard is loving life in England and is delighted to be working under Pep Guardiola.

The 18-year-old has already debuted with City's first team, and he's now focusing on Spain's Under-21 setup under Luis de la Fuente.

He spoke with MARCA about City, Ansu Fati and Guardiola.

Ansu Fati took your place as the youngest player in the U21 squad, but it's still unusual to see you play with players of this age.

I've always played with older people and it makes you better. You have more competition and I'm here to compete with the older players.

Do you remember the last time you played with people your age?

In the UEFA Youth League, probably.

How is it working under Pep Guardiola at just 18 years old?

If the coach is happy then I'm doing things well, but I'm still very young and have a lot to do.

How did you find changing Barcelona for Manchester City?

I'm in my third season in Manchester already and I'm very happy. At first it was more complicated, but then I adapted after a few months. I'm lucky to have a lot of Spanish teammates, who make things easier.

Did you expect things to go as they have?

When I first went, I was hoping to see how things were going. We all know the Premier League is a different league, it's more physical. I was going to see what happened but I'm very happy with how it's gone.

Have you ever regretted changing Barcelona for City?

No. You don't think about how it would be somewhere else. I'm very happy with the opportunities I've had.

How has it been stepping up through the ranks with Manchester City?

At the end of last season, they told me I'd start pre-season with the first team, and I did. I'm one of the first-team players. I train with them.

English football has worked hard, both in the clubs' academies and with the national team. How's it looking?

They still have the physical base, but because more coaches are coming in from elsewhere their ideas are changing. You find more teams who play with the ball more and you have to defend that bit more. I think it's a good thing and the national team have shown that they can play at a high level.

Do English academies resemble those in Spain?

Yes, they are improving and evolving players with a good physical base. In addition to having the physique, they want to use the ball more.

Who has surprised you most in City's squad?

Everyone is at a phenomenal level, but Bernardo Silva surprised me the most. I had seen him at Monaco but not much, so I was surprised when I first trained with him.

What's it like to work under Pep Guardiola?

You learn. Every day he teaches you something new. He's very special.

How did you see the game between City and Liverpool?

They're two teams who surely won't be repeated in the Premier League. Two spectacular sides. We were unlucky to lose at Anfield, but there's a long season ahead.

You're one of the people who knows Ansu Fati best. How do you see him?

He's a very humble guy, as you can see. He works and he's having his chance, which he's taking advantage of. He's opening the doors of the national team, too.

Did he stand out as a child?

Yes, he's one of those players who had that extra bit of quality. When they play in LaLiga Santander you see that quality; you see that bit extra they have that makes them different.