Barcelona do not have long left before the 2026-27 season kicks off officially, and they still have the Joan Gamper Trophy against Al Ahly left.
That game, scheduled for 19 August, will give fans the first glimpse of the entire first-team squad at Flick’s disposal this pre-season.
The expectation is that this squad will also include Spanish midfielder Rodri, with the 30-year-old nearing a move to the Catalan club.
The Gamper will also provide an opportunity to see interesting patterns emerge ahead of the new campaign, and one of them could involve Eric Garcia.
According to SPORT, Eric looks set to have a much more defined role at Barça this season, with Flick planning to make him the first-choice right-back.
Flick sees Eric as his starting right-back
Eric has been training in the right-back position since his return. Flick seems to have a new plan for the Spaniard this season.
The idea did not emerge overnight. A major indication arrived during last season’s decisive Clasico, when Flick selected Eric at right-back despite Jules Kounde being available.
That decision now looks increasingly significant. Eric played 51 matches across all competitions last season, starting 47, more than any other Barcelona player.
His versatility was essential, with 26 appearances at centre-back, 13 in midfield, 11 at right-back and one on the left.
However, it looks like Flick wants this season to be the Spaniard’s transition from jack of all trades to master of one.
Flick has decided on Eric Garcia’s position. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
With greater squad depth and the expected arrival of Rodri strengthening midfield, Eric can settle into a more permanent role at right-back.
Eric’s qualities fit Flick’s plans
There is a clear tactical argument behind the decision.
Eric averaged 83 touches per match last season while completing 92 percent of his passes. His ability to remain composed under pressure and help Barcelona progress possession gives Flick another technically reliable player during the build-up.
He would not necessarily operate like a traditional attacking full-back.
Instead, Eric’s intelligence in possession could allow him to move inside and support midfield, giving Lamine Yamal greater freedom and helping Barça maintain control when attacking from the right.
For a Flick team that wants to dominate territory without losing their defensive structure, that balance has considerable value.
Xavi Espart’s emergence helps the cause
Xavi Espart looks set to earn a promotion to the first team this season, and between Eric and the youngster, the duo can play a similar role at right-back.
The 19-year-old is also a midfielder who has been converted into a defender, and he is equally adept at inverting and providing support in the middle.
Eric Garcia will be Barcelona’s first-choice right-back. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
It does increasingly look like Flick does not want to be forced into changing systems every time a player is unavailable.
In order to be able to do so, the German coach needs similar profiles in each position, and both Xavi and Eric are capable of offering that at right-back.
Kounde could suffer the consequences
Since Hansi Flick’s arrival, Jules Kounde has mostly been Barça’s preferred option at right-back and has had an extended run thus far.
However, it looks like the plans with the Frenchman have changed ahead of the new season.
Kounde remains under contract until 2030 and wants to continue at Barça, although the club would consider a significant offer if the defender himself became open to leaving.
The Frenchman may still be a candidate at right-back, but it looks like he could also return to central defence, the position he used to play in back at Sevilla.
The upcoming Gamper game may give everyone an opportunity to see how Flick uses both Eric and Kounde.
It would offer a glimpse into the German manager’s plans ahead of the new campaign, and it remains to be seen how the dynamics play out.