Goalkeeper Joan García, since his arrival at FC Barcelona, has been a key player for Hansi Flick. Not in vain, the Catalan had activity in 225 minutes during the preseason, playing all the matches (4), being the player with the most participation in the entire squad.
In the last preparation match, the Joan Gamper Trophy against Como (5-0), the former Espanyol goalkeeper had three clear interventions, two of them in the final stretch of the match to preserve his goal at zero. The Barça fans knew how to recognize it during the match at the Estadi Johan Cruyff.
“I have felt very comfortable, I am happy. I wanted it to be the presentation. We all want to go to the Camp Nou now, but it has been here and it has also been good. I am satisfied”, said the goalkeeper who made his debut with the number ‘1’ in front of the Barça fans.
The Sallent native is aware that he is adapting to Barça, after having played for Espanyol, his Catalan classic for 15 years. “It is very different from what I was used to, but I am feeling comfortable. I'm feeling good. Since the Asian tour I have been working to be there”, he pointed out.
Joan García hopes to be registered for the match against Mallorca
Although he is already established as a starter at Barça, Joan García still has not been able to be registered in LaLiga EA Sports 25/26 when there is less than a week left for his debut against Mallorca. However, the club has conveyed calm to him.
“From the club and from my environment they convey calm to me. I trust them and focus on my own thing”, said the new azulgrana goalkeeper regarding his registration. At the moment, Barça only has Iñaki Peña available for the league debut, with the Alicante native being a fixed discard for Hansi Flick.
Ter Stegen's signature is key for Joan García's registration
Marc André ter Stegen signed the authorization for Barça to inform LaLiga's medical commission of his injury, to demonstrate that his lumbar injury is long-lasting and can facilitate Joan García's registration for this season.
This step will be key to resolving Joan's registration, since the German's long-term absence allows the club to release 80% of his salary. Along with the 24-year-old goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny is also waiting for this step. The Pole renewed in July, but LaLiga has not yet approved his new contract.
“There is no problem in the dressing room. He is the captain, we respect him a lot and from what it seems everything has been resolved with the club as well, so no problem”, García responded about the German goalkeeper.
In that sense, Joan Laporta, president of the club, expects a positive response from the employers as soon as possible. “With Marc's decision, we hope to register Joan if LaLiga's Medical Commission gives the green light”, he declared to 'TV3'.
As things stand, everything seems to be on track for the Sallent native to be the starting goalkeeper for FC Barcelona in 25/26. In the previous year, he was the leader in saves (146) in the 38 league matches played.