Eric Garcia, Torres, Garrido react after Elche 0-4 Barcelona: “15 points ahead of Madrid” | OneFootball

Barcelona cruised to a handsome 4-0 victory over Elche on Saturday night away at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero to extend their lead at the top of the La Liga table to 15 points.

Manager Xavi Hernandez was forced to make several changes due to injuries, suspensions as well as the upcoming Copa del Rey semi-final tie against Real Madrid.

And even though there were times when they looked a bit scratchy, the Catalans stood up when it mattered as Robert Lewandowski (2), Ansu Fati, and Ferran Torres scored to take the leaders to a comprehensive win.

Eric Garcia got a rare start for Barcelona against Elche, but not in his natural centre-back position. Instead, the ex-Manchester City ace started as a defensive midfielder, with Xavi opting to keep Sergio Busquets on the bench.

Eric vindicated his manager’s decision with a solid display and speaking after the game, he insisted that he was happy to play anywhere the team needed him.

“My position is centre-back, but I’m ready to play in whatever position the coach asks from me,” he said.

All the goalscorers on the night – Lewandowski, Fati, and Torres – were going through a lean patch prior to Saturday’s game. Reacting to their performances, Garcia added: “Ansu, Robert and Ferran are all incredible players. We all go through bad streaks and today the ball went inside the net.”

Rounding off, Garcia stated that Barcelona had achieved their objective on the night which was to increase their lead at the top of the table. “It was our objective to sleep 15 points ahead of Madrid,” he said.

Ferran Torres also interacted with the media after the game and stated that scoring the goal was important for him, as he said:

“It’s an important goal for me, I haven’t scored for a long time and although I’m not obsessed with it, it’s important for a striker to score.”

The ex-Man City ace also spoke about Garcia’s performance in an unfamiliar position, saying: “It gave me the feeling that he’d been playing as a pivot all his life.”

On his own preferred position, the Spanish international added: “I can play in all three attacking positions, but I feel the most comfortable as a right winger.”

Saturday was a memorable occasion for youngster Aleix Garrido as he made his senior debut for Barcelona. A player who has been at the club since he was eight years old, the teenage midfielder spoke to the media after the game and expressed his happiness at making his maiden appearance for the club.

“It’s the happiest day of my life. I’ve been at the club my whole life, I get excited and everything. I’m grateful to the coach and everyone who has helped me. I am very happy,” Garrido said.

“I had been injured for three months, on Monday they called me to train on Tuesday, and you think, what if it comes, but you don’t quite believe it, and look, I’ve been able to make my debut,” he added.

Revealing the advice Xavi gave him before sending him on, the youngster said: “Xavi told me to try and not lose the ball. Everything went well.”

“The score was very much in our favour and I thought that if there was a moment it would be now. Oscar called me. I want to thank my parents, my brothers and sisters, my whole family and everyone who has helped me,” said Garrido, signing off.

Source: BarçaTV+