Hansi Flick appears ready to make a fascinating change to Barcelona’s defensive setup, with Eric García emerging as the coach’s preferred option at right-back for the new season. 👀🔥
The versatile Spanish defender has been working extensively in the position since returning to training, and the experiment has reportedly gone so well that Flick is now seriously considering García as his first-choice option on the right side of defence.
This isn’t just another temporary experiment either. García himself has confirmed that Flick intends to use him as a full-back during the 2026/27 campaign, while he has also expressed his willingness to play wherever the German coach needs him.
And that could create a very interesting situation for Jules Koundé. 😳
Koundé has been one of Barcelona’s most trusted right-backs under Flick, but the club’s plans appear to be evolving. With García capable of operating comfortably at right-back, centre-back and even midfield, Flick suddenly has a player who can offer tactical flexibility without sacrificing defensive security. 🧠⚡
Barcelona have already given fans a glimpse of this new idea during pre-season. García featured at right-back in the 5-2 victory over Basel, reinforcing the impression that Flick is preparing him for a much bigger role on the flank.
The tactical logic is clear.
García is comfortable with the ball, reads the game well and can step inside when Barcelona build from the back. His versatility has already made him an important part of Flick’s squad, and the coach appears increasingly convinced that the defender can make the right-back position his own.
Meanwhile, Koundé could potentially return closer to his natural position in central defence if circumstances require it. Barcelona have already considered him as an option at centre-back, particularly because García can cover the right flank.
That could completely change the dynamics of Barça’s defence. 😮💨🔵🔴
Imagine a back line where García provides the width and defensive balance from the right, while Koundé uses his pace, strength and defensive intelligence in the centre. Flick would have two highly versatile defenders capable of switching roles depending on the opponent.
And there’s another intriguing factor: García is gaining even more importance inside the squad. Flick has recently included him among Barcelona’s provisional captains, alongside Raphinha and Pedri, highlighting the growing trust placed in the 25-year-old defender. 👑🔥
For Koundé, however, the message is obvious: his place at right-back is no longer guaranteed. 👀
This doesn’t necessarily mean Flick has given up on the French international. Far from it. Koundé remains an extremely valuable player, and his ability to play both centrally and on the right gives Barcelona another major tactical advantage.
But competition is exactly what Flick wants.
With the new season approaching, Barça now have a fascinating battle developing on the right side of their defence. García is pushing forward, Koundé is being challenged, and Flick has the luxury of choosing between two quality defenders with very different strengths. 🔥
The Eric García right-back experiment has officially become much more than an experiment.
Flick may have just found Barça’s new solution on the right. 🚨🔵🔴
And if García continues to impress, Koundé could have a serious battle on his hands for a starting spot. 😱🔥
