According to Diario Sport, Eric García, defender for FC Barcelona, expressed strong confidence in an interview, firmly believing that with the quality and ambition of the current squad, the team has every capability to compete among the elite in the UEFA Champions League this season. Eric García also confirmed that he has solidly established himself as a right-back for both the Spanish national team and the club, and feels well-adjusted and happy with this new role.

Eric García is brimming with ambition. Not only has he secured his starting position at FC Barcelona, but he will also start at right-back for Spain in the UEFA Nations League opener this Saturday at Wembley. The 25-year-old defender is eager to continue growing this season and is particularly keen on winning the UEFA Champions League with FC Barcelona.

On his cartilage injury and collision with Rodri

Eric García said: "It's getting better, I'm recovering." When asked if playing with a mask is uncomfortable, he answered candidly: "Of course it's not the most comfortable, but unfortunately I'm quite used to it by now. It's part of the job."

On his role as a full-back for the national team

Eric García said: "Yes, I've been playing this position in the early part of the season at Barcelona, and I feel good. As I always say, I'll do my best to help wherever needed. If they ask me to play full-back, I'm happy to do so." He emphasized that adapting isn't difficult because he played this position during his time at Girona and in some matches for Barcelona. "The way we play now also helps us adapt faster and more easily."

On the tactical changes that started under coach Míchel

Eric García explained: "It all started with Míchel. Our style is very similar to Barcelona's, with three players building from the back, one full-back staying more central—which is me—and the left-back often pushing higher up, which is what we do at Barcelona. So in that sense, adaptation is easy and comfortable."

On his reaction when Flick told him during preseason that he would play as a full-back

Eric García said: "No, not at all. Ultimately, it's a position I enjoy, and I like playing there. I have more freedom to attack, which I also enjoy. So I'm very happy about it."

On returning to Wembley

Eric García recalled: "I've played a final there before. To be honest, I have nothing to complain about. It's an iconic stadium, and Barcelona have won the Champions League there, so it's all good memories."

On whether FC Barcelona are favorites to win the UEFA Champions League

Eric García answered firmly: "Yes, for me, yes. As I've said, I think with the team, players, quality, and ambition we have, we can definitely reach that point and be among the top contenders." He also pointed out that the team's hunger and ability are evident. "Since I joined, we've had good years, but there's been some frustration in the Champions League. So I think if we can win the Champions League along with La Liga and the Copa del Rey, we would make history."

On the team's growth this season

Eric García said: "I think we're maturing as a team. We're young, but we're gaining experience. This is clear in matches—we want more possession, more patience, better movement to transition from one side to the other. We're managing it better. I think last season we played more directly with quicker ball switches, but this season we have more awareness, which helps us defend better and hold better positions."

On Rodri's arrival

Eric García said straightforwardly: "If you have an experienced player like Rodri who has won the Ballon d'Or, it obviously helps you." Regarding coordination with winger Lamine Yamal, Eric García said progress will be relatively smooth, and they'll decide whether to create one-on-one space for Lamine Yamal or provide support depending on the defensive setup. "Without the ball, I think he's contributed well this season, and he, along with Raphinha, Antony, and Karim—whether starting or coming off the bench—have performed excellently. Most importantly, they all help us a lot with pressing."

On whether Lamine Yamal can win the Ballon d'Or

Eric García was unequivocal: "Absolutely, he can. I would vote for him, and I'd vote for every Spanish player." He also expressed happiness about Pau Cubarsí being nominated, believing that defenders are often overlooked, but Pau Cubarsí deserves this honor too.

With Christensen's injury, there are questions about whether Eric García is ready to return to center-back.

Eric García answered: "Yes, I'm always ready for any task. I think one of my strengths is my ability to adapt to different positions, even though center-back has always been my natural position."

Regarding the external perception that Barcelona has weaknesses in wide defense

Eric García disagreed: "No, I think we have top-level players in those positions. We have a unique and different way of playing. When we all press together, mark tightly, and manage the ball, defending becomes easier for all of us."

Regarding facing Anthony Gordon at Wembley and the pace of Adeyemi, whom he's experienced in training, Eric García joked that the latter is "like a bullet."

Eric García, who is team captain this season, expressed pride: "Ever since I started in Barcelona's youth academy, I've been captain. For someone who grew up at Barcelona and is a Barcelona fan, it's an honor." He felt especially grateful and thanked his teammates for voting him as captain.

On the La Liga situation

Eric García remained cautious: "We know football and La Liga can change very quickly. We're in very good form right now, but last season we were seven points behind after losing El Clásico at the Bernabéu and it seemed everything was over. Now, even though we're six points ahead, the season is just beginning and we must keep going."

Finally, regarding various controversies involving referees, Eric García chose not to comment but agreed with Luis de la Fuente's statement that Spanish referees are among the best in the world. He believes all referees try their best and don't intend to make mistakes. Like players on the pitch, humans always make mistakes, and errors are part of football. He revealed that the coach always emphasizes focusing on themselves and not getting involved in referee controversy disputes.

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