Last Sunday’s Clásico left a key victory and several important readings inside Barcelona. With almost the whole squad available, Hansi Flick had to make major competitive decisions. One of them pointed directly to the right-back position in the biggest match of the season.
The absence of Lamine Yamal was the only major loss in a starting eleven full of alternatives. That made every choice from the German coach a message with future consequences. Especially in positions where the club are already studying movements ahead of the summer.
In that context, Flick chose Eric Garcia ahead of Jules Koundé from the start. It was not just a rotation or a minor decision on a night of maximum demand. It was a symbolic choice that made clear the right flank is no longer untouchable.
Eric gains weight
On paper, Koundé looked like the player expected to occupy that role in such a match. He had owned the right-back position for two seasons and had been important under Flick. His previous strong campaign also helped him renew until 2030 and improve his conditions.
However, his level this season has not been as solid or reliable as before. The Frenchman has left some irregular performances, defensive gaps and less overall competitive consistency. His hamstring injury has also not helped him in this final stretch.
That is where Eric Garcia appears, after responding when the team needed him most. The player from Martorell offered intensity, order and a very serious display to stop Vinicius. It was not an aesthetically brilliant match, but it was extremely useful for Flick’s plan.
Flick wants a new balance
The German coach seems to want something very specific from his full-backs next season. He is looking for more balance between both flanks and profiles that understand every match context. With João Cancelo freer on the left, he needs control, effort and rigour on the right.
At that point, Eric is giving him exactly what he currently wants to see. More discipline, more defensive strength and a reading of the game that helps the team stay solid. That is why his choice in the Clásico carried so much weight looking ahead.
That does not mean Koundé is out of the project, far from it. He remains an important player, with a long contract and a strong market in Europe. But his status has changed, and he no longer looks completely untouchable in that position.
Summer can change many things
Inside the club, offers are still being listened to for several important squad names. Koundé is among those players who could generate major income if a huge proposal arrives. Even so, only truly attractive offers would be studied in a very conditioned summer.
The final word will also belong to the Frenchman, who holds a strong contractual position. He has years left, still has status and is not forced to accept any change. But first, he will have to hear what role Flick has planned for him next season.
The conclusion left by the Clásico seems quite clear inside the Barça environment. Eric Garcia gained a lot of weight at the decisive moment, while Koundé lost part of his advantage. Barça’s right-back position no longer has one fixed owner, and Flick wanted to make that clear.
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