During a training session in Spain, Eric Garcia gave an exclusive interview with Marca. In the third part of the interview (split into three parts due to its length), he spoke about his World Cup-winning experience.

You're still very young, but you've been through so much. If anyone knows what you've experienced, it's Santi Denia. Now you're about to face him directly; have you spoken to him?

Santi has always been a very important coach for me. Since I was young, he believed in me completely, even promoting me to older age groups.

I always say I'm very grateful for everything he taught me. He taught me a lot, and we still stay in touch because he's someone I greatly respect.

Did you know what he told us before the final? He said he saw coaching qualities in you.

He still tells me that.

He said, "Eric doesn't just follow instructions; if he sees something wrong, he speaks up."

Yes, Santi and I have actually talked about football topics. Yes, I do think I'll definitely become a coach or sporting director in the future. Though I hope to continue playing for a few more years.

Now Mourinho is back in La Liga—you were only 11 when he first arrived. What do you think? Do you believe the tension between Real Madrid and Barcelona will return? Will Mourinho bring back that old intensity, or has everything calmed down quite a bit? We've all matured a little.

That's true, but I think there will always be something special between Barcelona and Real Madrid. So I believe this is the biggest match in the world. Back then I was very young and didn't experience those El Clásicos, but I've always felt those matches were amazing to watch.

Who will win the Ballon d'Or?

In my opinion, it should be Yamal, or any Spanish player really, but in this specific case, I think it's Yamal.

What's it like having a fullback playing behind Yamal?

He makes things easier, and it's enjoyable to watch him play.

What would you say to those who think Yamal doesn't contribute much defensively?

I think this season he's worked very hard and has helped a lot. It's not by chance that we've started the season so well. Our attacking players help us tremendously, especially with the high pressing we want to apply; they're crucial. And that's shown clearly.

What do you think about Raphinha not being on the 30-man Ballon d'Or shortlist?

Pedri isn't on it either, so what else can I say? But the beautiful thing about football is that if you have motivation, things like this can drive you even harder to prove yourself. I think Raphinha's start to the season says it all. We don't need to say much. For us, what matters is that he keeps playing and maintains his current form.

Do you realize how well Barcelona is playing right now? Do you feel it on the pitch?

Yes, yes, there are moments in matches that amaze all of us. We're very aware of our level because we see it in training. But it's true that we're playing very well right now. And it's also true that the season just started, and there's still a long way to go. But I think if we can maintain this consistency throughout the season, we'll achieve great things.

Can you reach the level of Guardiola's Barcelona? Can you achieve that?

I think, although there are similarities, we play differently. Their control of the match is absolute and complete. We do that at many stages too, but for us, a very important aspect is high pressing. Immediately pressing after losing the ball, constantly putting pressure on opponents, suffocating them and always maintaining a high defensive line. So in that sense, we're somewhat different from them.

Did you feel upset that Barcelona didn't honor the World Cup winners at Camp Nou?

The club is very proud of everything we achieved back then, and they made that clear to us. That's all there is to it.

What are you like in your private life?

Oh, very calm. Just a young guy who watches football, plays games with friends, trains, and that's about it.

You rarely lose, but when you do?

I get very angry, yes. I'm a hot-tempered person.

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