A calculated risk: Joan Garcia explains Flick's crazy philosophy
A goalkeeper under fire
Joan García is not afraid to stand on the edge of danger. Quite the opposite. He sees the boldness on which Barcelona rely in their style of play as one of the secrets behind the team's success, despite the exceptional responsibilities it places on the goalkeeper, especially given their reliance on a high defensive line that leaves large spaces behind it.
The 25-year-old defended the team's philosophy, stressing that the gains outweigh the risks and that the chances of making saves remain far greater than the chances of making mistakes.
García returned to the Spain squad after missing the last international break. He spoke to "Mundo Deportivo" before the morning training session at the Spanish Football Federation's Football City, reflecting on his experience with Barcelona and the challenges of competition within the national team.
One of Barcelona's standout stars in their recent victory over Atlético Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano, the goalkeeper said the team's style forces him to remain in a state of constant concentration, but that he feels comfortable performing this role.
He added: "Our style of play requires the goalkeeper to have complete focus and attention, so that he can help the team in every possible way. I feel comfortable in this role, and I like helping my teammates in various situations. It's true that it involves a big risk, but in the end it has proven to be worth it, and I'm happy to be able to contribute."
Asked how he deals with the risks of constantly advancing off his line, he explained: "I don't think about the present moment as much as I focus on giving the best I have. It's true that some things can happen sometimes that I don't want, but I believe that thinking carefully about it leads you to a positive outcome most of the time, because you will save far more chances than the mistakes you will make."
Strong competition and a goal that leaves no room for concession
García turned to his return to the Spain national team, where he faces strong competition from a group of the finest goalkeepers. He sees that as a reflection of the quality of the work in Spanish football academies.
He said: "I think this reflects the quality of the work being done in Spain's youth academies. Álvaro has now joined us too, and he is a wonderful goalkeeper who is proving his worth. I'm extremely happy to share the dressing room with them and to train alongside them, because it helps me continue to develop."
The positive atmosphere among the national team's goalkeepers also came up. García was moved by Unai Simón's words during his speech at the Ballon d'Or ceremony, when he dedicated a few words to him and David.
He explained: "Our reaction was wonderful. In the end, it's not just about what happens on the pitch, but about the people and the relationships we build off it. I think our relationship is wonderful and special, and David and I were absolutely delighted, as if we had won the award ourselves. I think that says a lot about the personalities of all three of us."
He concluded: "Of course, the demands of competition on the pitch are extremely high, but we all give our very best, and that shows clearly during matches."
Spain face the Czech Republic in Prague and England at Wembley next. García confirmed that the goal is to keep winning and to end the campaign in the best possible manner.
He said: "The goal is clear, which is to win the matches and continue progressing in the UEFA Nations League, as well as keeping our record free of defeats. It's a wonderful and exciting challenge, and it deserves for us to give everything we have in order to achieve it."
