Barcelona defender told to improve to avoid being benched

In just his second match in charge of Barcelona, manager Xavi sprung a surprise by opting to play with a three-man backline. Indeed, the 41-year-old set up with a three-at-the-back system against SL Benfica on Tuesday night in the UEFA Champions League.

While the formation was a surprise, his choice of personnel to form the three-pronged defensive unit also raised some eyebrows. Xavi held on to senior statesman Gerard Pique in the side but opted to draft Ronald Araujo and the out-of-favour Clement Lenglet into the XI, leaving Eric Garcia out in the cold.

This, as per El Nacional, was a warning for the Spanish defender to improve his game, lest he will be spending more time on the bench than on the field.

Garcia arrived at Barcelona this past summer on a free transfer from Manchester City. A former La Masia prospect, the 20-year-old has not been able to showcase his best performances as of yet at Camp Nou.

Xavi had handed Eric Garcia a start in his first game in charge against Espanyol over the weekend. And while Barcelona were able to secure a clean sheet that night, the club legend is said to have not been entirely impressed by the youngster’s display.

The report claims that the ex-Manchester City prospect, who is adept at carrying the ball out from the back, was taking his starting berth for granted. But Xavi has acted swiftly to nip any such feelings in the bud by axing him for the midweek clash in favour of Araujo and Lenglet.

With Pique a regular fixture, Eric Garcia, Araujo and Lenglet will be left competing for the other centre-back slot, assuming Xavi returns to his favoured 4-3-3 formation. Based on Tuesday’s performance Araujo has done his chances of becoming a regular no harm. So, the onus will now be on Garcia to step up and improve in order to get regular game-time.