‘Our opponents know us now’ — Barcelona star opens up about highline and real problem with Flick's side

Barcelona defender Eric Garcia has defended head coach Hansi Flick amid growing scrutiny over the team’s high defensive line.

Following telling defeats to Atletico Madrid (4-0) and Girona FC (2-1), questions have been raised about the sustainability of Flick’s tactical approach.

Despite criticism, Garcia insists Barcelona’s aggressive style is not a sudden experiment but a consistent approach since Flick’s arrival.

“Since Flick arrived, we've been playing like this [with the high line],” Garcia said. “We try to press for the entire match.”

He pointed out that the team have not conceded an excessive number of goals in La Liga, although Champions League matches have been more open and high-scoring.

“Ultimately, this style of play has led us to win four titles,” he added, suggesting that opponents adapting to their system is a natural evolution. “Our opponents know us now.”

Garcia acknowledged that rival teams are increasingly committing five or six players to exploit the defensive line, creating difficult situations to manage.

Rather than blaming the highline itself, Garcia identified ball retention as Barcelona’s primary issue.

“Lately, we've been giving the ball away too often, and that's costing us,” he admitted. “We want to regain control of the ball, which is the most important thing, and find a balance.”

He stressed the need for smarter pressing and better positional awareness, especially after turnovers. Against Atletico, he noted, many counter-attacks stemmed from Barcelona’s own mistakes.

Garcia concluded that while the risks of Flick’s style are clear, solutions lie in refining their pressing structure and decision-making, not abandoning the philosophy that has already delivered success.