Hansi Flick lauded Joan Garcia’s superb performance for Barcelona, claiming he “saved us” in their 2-0 win over Villarreal on Sunday.
Barcelona restored their four-point lead at the top of LaLiga thanks to the victory, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal getting the goals against their 10-man hosts.
Flick’s side have been prolific in front of goal in 2025, netting 169 goals in 60 matches across all competitions, while they have scored in each of their last 38 LaLiga outings (103 goals).
But it was at the other end of the pitch that Flick wanted to draw the attention, with Garcia making five saves and one clearance as he held Villarreal at bay.
“He saved us on many occasions,” Flick said of Garcia. “I’m also very happy he kept a clean sheet again.
“He is an important player for us. But we are a team. We all defend with and without the ball. We were a bit tired, and we missed some passes.
“I’m happy that Joan is in my team, but it’s not my job whether or not he goes to the national team.”
Barcelona have won each of their last eight matches, scoring two or more goals in all of those.
In December, they have won all six of their games in all competitions, and Flick is delighted to be heading into the winter break on a high.
“I think we’ve overcome a lot of things this year,” he added.
“The most important thing is how the team trains. Everyone gives 100%. You can see in training how we are. We need to rest and live Christmas as a family.
“The key has been the defence; we have worked on it and also the return of quality.”
Marcelino, meanwhile, was left frustrated after his side played over half the match at a numerical disadvantage, with Renato Veiga being sent off in the 39th minute for a poor tackle on Yamal.
He also felt they should have had a penalty when Garcia caught Rafa Marin, which was not given, as Villarreal’s six-game winning streak came to an end.
“In a second play, the penalty comes. I don’t know what the difference is between the penalty and the one in which Joan Garcia gets up and shoots Rafa Marin,” Marcelino said.
“Our chances were clearer, beyond the penalty and a crossbar from Raphinha. Barca’s most decisive player was the goalkeeper.
“We made an avoidable mistake, which is the red card. I said to the referee: ‘What happens if he gets a yellow card and then goes to the VAR?’ He told me that he had seen it very clearly.
“For me, it has been excess of force. For me, it is not expulsion… Well, seeing it on another camera, maybe yes. It goes at ground level.
“In football, you have to live in the moments. There is no twisting of the ankle. With the beautiful show we were seeing, to leave a team with ten…”
