Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia hailed Frenkie de Jong and Brian Farinas for putting in a solid shift in defence during Saturday’s 6-1 thrashing of Alaves.
Injuries to Xavi Espart, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia meant that Flick fielded the two midfielders in his back four.
Garcia felt the duo both did a good job as Barcelona cruised to an emphatic victory at Camp Nou in La Liga.
“It was a somewhat unusual defensive line for us. But Frenkie and Brian showed great character and demonstrated
how good they are as players,” he told Movistar.
“Brian had a very good game in a difficult match because it wasn’t his usual position. He showed the personality he has. And Frenkie gives us a lot on the ball; he almost never loses it. Good players can perform well regardless of their position. That’s exactly what they both showed today. I’m very happy for them.”
Garcia also felt his team responded well to defeats to PSG and Real Madrid and is now looking forward to the challenge of facing Aston Villa in the Champions League next.
“We have taken a step forward and I think we are conceding far fewer chances than last year, but we still need to polish a couple of things. It’s also our style of play; we know we have that risk and we have shown that it’s worth taking it. It’s true that you are obviously a bit more exposed, but I think that in attack it’s worth taking those risks,” he added.
“We’re really looking forward to what’s coming up. It’s been great to rest a bit more this week and win this match. And the way it went also helps a lot. Now, we’re thinking about resting, preparing for the next Champions League match here at home, and we’re really looking forward to it and playing a good game.”
Flick has decisions to make about his backline again on Tuesday night. Gerard Martin could return to the starting XI after being rested, but De Jong and Farinas remain options to start along with Alejandro Balde.
