According to Sport, Eric Garcia has returned to Barcelona training, with Flick intending to use him as a right-back.
This detail also confirms what this newspaper reported at the end of last season: the German coach wants to establish the Martorell native on the right flank this year as a significant change to the defense for the new season. Furthermore, he also has the chance to officially join the new captain group following the departures of Ter Stegen and Ronald Araujo.
Flick's Key Choice
The coaching staff's complete shift in thinking was evident in the last El Clásico. In the match that decided the La Liga title, despite Kounde being available, Flick started Eric against Real Madrid. The trust placed in the La Masia product had already indicated that his role was changing, and now this idea is beginning to materialize for the new season.
His statistics also explain why Flick is optimistic about this positional change. Eric averages 83 touches per game and has a passing accuracy of 92%—93% in his own half and 91% in the opponent’s half. Additionally, he averages 1.4 interceptions, 3.3 ball recoveries, and 2.3 clearances per game.
These statistics show that his role extends far beyond defending. His ball-playing ability has become one of the main reasons for his permanent move to the right. Barcelona hopes he will provide more of a pivot role in this area, with the team controlling games through Cubarsí's distribution, Rodri's orchestration from defensive midfield, and Yamal's finishing ability.
Eric's Position in the 25/26 Season
Although Eric will start the new season as the primary right-back, his versatility will remain a significant asset. Flick has found a player who can adapt to different needs, and the data shows how much he is trusted: in the 2025/26 season, he made 51 appearances, the most for Barcelona, and started 47 times, also the most on the team. Last season, he played 26 times as a center-back, 13 times as a defensive midfielder, 11 times as a right-back, and once as a left-back, performing consistently in every position.
However, Barcelona's squad depth, coupled with Rodri's arrival and the fact that injuries to Christensen and Gavi no longer affect team selection, means Eric will not need to switch positions frequently. Flick also hopes he can settle on the right flank.
Kounde Faces a New Situation
Eric's new positioning directly affects Jules Kounde. The Frenchman has gone from being a central figure in Flick's system to no longer being an undisputed starter. Flick will ultimately decide how the defense is arranged, but for now, Eric is clearly the preferred choice at right-back for the new season.
Kounde renewed his contract last August until 2030 and wants to stay at Barcelona despite interest from numerous Premier League suitors. Barcelona is well aware of this and will not force him to leave, but if the player decides to seek a change of environment, the club would be willing to consider a substantial offer. Arsenal is the most interested, as they need a player who can play both right-back and right center-back.
The key is whether the Frenchman, who has been a starter since joining in 2022 and a pillar of the French national team for the past four years, is willing to accept this new situation. Meanwhile, Flick has sent a clear signal to Eric: he will use him as the primary right-back from the very first minute.
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