La Liga: Barca boss Flick greets Garcia after goalkeeper shines against former club Espanyol

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick hailed Joan Garcia as one of the best goalkeepers in the world after the former Espanyol player produced a decisive performance against his former club in a Catalan derby on Saturday.

Garcia played a key role in Barcelona’s 2-0 win, producing a series of excellent saves as the league leaders extended their lead at the top of the La Liga standings to 49 points.

“The first thing I have to do is thank Joan Garcia,” Flick told reporters. «He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. We suffered, but we got the three points and that is the message we are sending to La Liga.»

Flick praised the goalkeeper’s composure, especially given the hostile reception he received upon his return to the RCDE Stadium, where he had previously come through the ranks.

“Fantastic,” said the German manager when asked about Garcia’s mental strength. «I think he won’t forget how he lived here because he played for Espanyol and they gave him his chance. Now he plays for us and he was one of the reasons for the victory.»

Garcia was jeered during the warm-up, with banners aimed at him in the stands, including images of rats and fake banknotes bearing his face. Flick said the 24-year-old appeared unaffected before kick-off.

«Of course I talked to him,» Flick said. «I saw him calm, as always. Focused, convinced. The big teams have the best goalkeepers, and he is one of them.»

Report | Late goals lead Barcelona past Espanyol in the Catalan derby

Espanyol coach Manolo Gonzalez, whose side created several clear chances but failed to score, declined to comment on Garcia’s performance.

«I’m not going to talk about Joan,» he said. “Whatever I say will be twisted. I don’t want to go into that.

«We were very close to winning and it slipped… today we should have won.»

Flick turned his attention to the Super Cup and added that the win would give his side a morale boost ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Athletic Bilbao.

«It’s not easy to play this match after the Christmas holidays and go straight to the Super Cup,» said the German. «But this victory will give us confidence.»

Published on January 4, 2026