"Why is he starting for us in 2024", "Makes me nervous" - Fans react to Barcelona star's inclusion in XI for Leganes clash

Fans have expressed their dismay at centre-back Eric Garcia's inclusion in Barcelona's starting lineup for their clash against Leganes in LaLiga. With Ronald Araujo being declared match-fit and cleared to play, fans lambasted their coaching staff for picking Garcia over him.

After spending a few years in Barcelona's youth ranks, Garcia rejoined them on a free transfer in 2021, just two seasons after graduating from Manchester City's academy. Although he was an important first-team player initially, he gradually fell down the pecking order and was loaned to fellow Spanish side Girona last season.

This season, he has made 11 appearances across competitions, with just three of them being starts. In his only start in the Champions League against AS Monaco, he got a red card in the 10th minute, which eventually led to a 2-1 loss for his side.

With Barca desperately looking for momentum in LaLiga, fans were frustrated by Garcia's selection in the starting lineup against Leganes. @desanmi_ wrote:

"Why is Eric Garcia starting for us in 2024 bro."

@Alex_Nielsen97 wrote:

"Eric Garcia as a centre back makes me nervous. Even if he isn't good enough as a DM either, but I think I prefer him there."

Here is a selection of fan reactions (via X):

"Eric garcia but no cubarsi hmmm," @kiesquets wrote.

"Eric Garcia starting..? Yeah, we are dropping points again man," @CliniicalLM10 claimed.

"Eric Garcia ball make sure you are there. Carry your BP medicine along with you," @GodswllO hilariously remarked.

@bright___r questioned, "Eric Garcia??? Hope he won’t ruin our perfect highline?

"Yooo Yoo what is this? If Araujo is cleared just stay him what is this with Eric. Everytime we get the chance to go clear then we mess it up ourselves," @Barcelona14231 claimed.

"What is Eric Garcia trying to do," @Brensmann wrote.

"Eric Garcia over Araujo? Hansi Flick OUT man idc," @FCBMuzan wrote.

"Ericball ? We are finished," @Specialgradeahh claimed.

Barcelona are set to take on Leganes in LaLiga at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on December 15.

Hansi Flick's assistant manager Marcus Sorg will be on the touchline for Barcelona against Leganes, Atletico Madrid

Hansi Flick's assistant manager Marcus Sorg will take charge of Barcelona's upcoming LaLiga fixtures against Leganes and Atletico Madrid.

Flick was shown a red card for excessive protesting during the Blaugrana's 2-2 draw with Real Betis (December 7). The German tactician was unhappy with a penalty given to their opposition in the 63rd minute, and the referee promptly gave him his marching orders.

Sorg, who was Flick's assistant during his time with the German national team, moved to Barcelona alongside him at the start of the 2024-25 campaign. In the absence of Joachim Low, Flick's predecessor at the German national team, Sorg was on the sidelines for two Die Mannschaft games, winning both of them comfortably (2-0 vs Belarus and 8-0 vs Estonia in June 2019).

The onus will be on him to deliver a strong result for Barca, who have just one win in their last five LaLiga fixtures (two draws, two losses).