Eric Garcia believes Ferran Torres’ decisive goal in the World Cup final was the result of years of psychological preparation rather than chance, as the Barcelona defender reflected on his first taste of the tournament and set his sights on winning the Champions League with his club.
Garcia, 25, was one of eight Barcelona players to lift the World Cup and is currently enjoying a post-tournament break. Speaking as a guest on Spanish radio station Cadena COPE, he underlined how much work he and Torres have done with a psychologist to reach the top level and ultimately become world champions.
Asked about the specialist who works with both players, Garcia was keen to highlight the mental side behind their success and Torres’ match-winning impact in the final.
“Fortunately or unfortunately, I can put myself and Ferran in this category, because we’ve got used to everything,” Garcia said. “Our job is to play football and I think that’s a privilege. I’ve always said that things can go better or worse, but you must always be present and have the right attitude. In the end, it’s no coincidence that he scored the goal that gave us the World Cup in this case.”
First World Cup minutes in the final
Garcia went on to describe how his World Cup debut arrived at the highest possible stage – the final itself – after spending the entire tournament preparing for an opportunity that might come at any moment.
“I was ready all month in case the chance came at any time and, look, in the end it came in the final,” he said. “We managed to win it, which was the objective for everyone. We were all there to contribute, whether it was our turn to play or not. And I always told the coach that I was ready for whatever he asked of me.”
The Barcelona defender admitted there was a specific point during the final when he and his team-mates began to feel that the World Cup was within their grasp.
He explained that the mood shifted after a sending-off and a tactical change from the opposition involving Julian Alvarez being substituted.
“That feeling came after Enzo’s red card, and at the moment when they took Julian off and brought on an extra defender,” Garcia said. From that point on, he suggested, the team sensed that the match – and the trophy – were tilting in their favour.
Champions League the next objective
Having added the World Cup to an already impressive list of honours, Garcia is clear about the next major target in his career: lifting the Champions League with Barcelona.
“Yes, yes,” he replied when asked about that ambition. “Obviously I can’t complain about the trophy record I have up to now. Every player wants to win and to win titles – that’s why we are here.”
The centre-back spoke with satisfaction about what he has achieved so far but made it clear that his hunger for success remains intact as he looks ahead to the new campaign with Barcelona.
Garcia also confirmed that his holidays will be short-lived, revealing that he is scheduled to report back for pre-season training with Barcelona on 12 August.
The defender, who said he had been moved by the level of affection shown by fans during the World Cup celebrations, now hopes to carry that momentum into the coming club season, with Europe’s premier club competition firmly in his sights.
