Hansi Flick took a risk and it paid off. The German coach played with fire against Real Valladolid, but the end was happy for Barça. Barça suffered to win at Zorrilla with their B team, but the objective of giving the regulars as much rest as possible was achieved. The starting eleven was certainly unrecognizable, with a surprising attacking trio of Ansu Fati, Pau Víctor, and youth player Dani Rodríguez, with a makeshift defense led by Araujo and Christensen at the back. However, Barça picked up three vital points in their battle with Real Madrid for the league title, which will see a key chapter next week at Montjuic with El Clásico.
The aim of the mass rotations was none other than to give the players as much rest as possible and avoid injuries to key players ahead of the Champions League semi-final second leg against Inter Milan at San Siro on Tuesday. There were no injuries, and although some first-team players came off to the rescue, there was no wear and tear. Lamine Yamal, who came on for the injured Dani Rodríguez, and Raphinha, who scored the equalizer, were the ones who had to play a little longer than expected: 52 and 45 minutes, respectively.
Pedri and De Jong shared half the game each, Dani Olmo played half an hour (28′) and Eric García, the theoretical right-back at San Siro, only 11 minutes. In addition, Szczesny, Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, and Ferran were given a complete rest. A risk taken and a goal achieved by Hansi Flick.
Eric García takes center stage
One of the most important players in the B team throughout the season. In recent days, he has become a key player in the absence of Jules Koundé. The player’s versatility is key for Hansi Flick, who has already lined him up as a center back, defensive midfielder, and right back this season.
He is an important player for Flick, who has been fighting to keep him since January when he blocked his departure. The player could have left in January and has suitors for the summer transfer window, but Flick is clear that he wants him to stay. His contract expires in 2026 and he seemed more likely to leave than stay, but the German coach is clear that he wants him to renew.
In that sense, Deco is not so sure about the renewal. Although the Catalan player’s good work is valued, Barça needs to close sales this summer to lighten the salary cap and be able to sign new players in positions that need strengthening. It is estimated that the transfer of Eric García could generate between €15 and €20 million, a significant figure in the club’s current financial context.
Eric García now faces a key moment in his season as a Barça player. With Jules Koundé out, Hansi Flick is expected to pick him for the decisive match at San Siro next Tuesday, the 6th, at 9 p.m., and for El Clásico, which could tip the league title in Barça’s favor.
Eric García’s suitors
Eric García’s great season under Hansi Flick has sparked interest in the market. In addition to the teams that were already interested in January, new candidates have joined the race to sign the player and make him an important part of their squad. The versatile player has renewed interest from Girona, Real Sociedad, Real Betis, Como, and Tottenham. The latter, given its financial potential, could be the one to make FC Barcelona an offer they can’t refuse for the player.