"How does he keep scamming his way into these lineups" - Fans unhappy with Barcelona star's inclusion in XI for Getafe clash
Some Barcelona fans are unhappy with Eric Garcia's inclusion in their starting line-up to face Getafe in LaLiga on Wednesday, September 25. The 23-year-old featured as a starter for the first time this season against Monaco in Barca's Champions League opener. He then made it to the starting XI in their 5-1 win against Villarreal in their last league game.
Hansi Flick has opted for the 4-2-3-1 formation to face Getafe at home, with Inaki Pena guarding the goal. Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, and Alejandro Balde form the defensive backline. Marc Casado and Eric Garcia are shielding the defense in midfield, Pablo Torre plays in the attacking midfield position, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are on the flanks, and Robert Lewandowski is the sole striker.
Fans took to X to react to Garcia's inclusion in the line-up, especially in the midfield. One user wrote:
"How does eric garcia keep scamming his way into these lineups."
"Shi says “Eric Garcia” and “Inaki Pena” oml im out," a fan added.
"Eric Garcia ball again 😭😕," another user chimed in.
"Eric Garcia haram ball," an individual joked.
Fans continued to question Flick's decision to trust Garcia despite his average performance in previous fixtures.
"This Eric Garcia experiment is killing me. Flick need to stop that rubbish," a Culer commented.
"This Eric Garcia in midfield is a forced narrative that I don’t wanna buy," one fan opined.
"Inaki Peña and Eric Garcia oh god abeg help us all," another person mentioned.
Barcelona have maintained an impressive form in La Liga so far, securing six out of six wins. They are currently at the top of the league table with 18 points.
"We have to start with a fantastic starting XI" - Barcelona coach Hansi Flick on whether Lamine Yamal could be rested vs Getafe
In the pre-match press conference ahead of facing Getafe, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was asked whether star forward Lamine Yamal could be rested. The 17-year-old started in all seven of the Catalan side's previous fixtures across competitions.
Flick said that Yamal was fit enough to start, explaining (via Everything Barca):
"Lamine doesn't look like he needs a rest. It's important to note that we're playing at home, and we have to start with a fantastic starting XI."
Lamine Yamal has been in sensational form for La Blaugrana this season, with four goals and five assists in seven appearances across competitions. However, fans have been demanding to let him rest for a couple of games owing to his age.
About certain changes in the starting XI, Flick said:
"We will have to make changes. We have practiced it, and I hope the team will execute it well tomorrow. We are looking forward to playing at home in front of our fans again."
As explained above, the German coach has decided to rest Pedri and started Eric Garcia and Pablo Torre in the midfield instead. Meanwhile, Inaki Pena has replaced Marc-Andre ter Stegen in front of the goal. The latter picked up a season-ending injury during Barcelona's 5-1 win over Villarreal in LaLiga.