Hansi Flick has constantly experimented with players and their positions throughout pre-season.
He has tried out Xavi Espart and Brian Farinas at right-back and in midfield, Eric Garcia at centre-back and right-back, and Jules Kounde in the same two positions as well.
Now, according to SPORT , Eric could be set for an important positional change under Flick this season.
The versatile Spaniard is set to be one of Barça 's main options at right-back and should hold the starting berth ahead of Kounde.
Eric Garcia could feature at right-back this season. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
The shift was visible during the Joan Gamper Trophy, when Jules Kounde returned to central defence while Eric operated on the right side.
The move appears to be more than a one-off pre-season experiment.
Flick is understood to be increasingly convinced by Eric in the position after the Catalan delivered strong performances there last season.
The coach has already communicated to him that he will be used in that position more regularly going forward.
This would represent a significant change in Barça 's defensive structure. Kounde has spent several seasons established at right-back, but his return to central defence is an interesting solution.
Eric's natural position is centre-back, but his technical quality makes him an interesting fit on the right.
He is comfortable in possession, can step inside during build-up and offers more control than a traditional attacking full-back. In a Barcelona side that wants to dominate the ball, that profile has obvious value.
His versatility also gives Flick flexibility without forcing major structural changes during matches.
Eric can begin at right-back, move centrally when necessary or even help in midfield depending on the game state.
Eric Garcia is a key component in the Barcelona backline. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
For Barcelona, this would be another example of Eric's value growing under Flick.
He has gone from being seen largely as a depth option to becoming one of the coach's most trusted and useful players.
His ability to cover multiple positions has always helped him, but the difference now is that he may finally be developing a more defined role.
More importantly, he has also been appointed as one of the provisional captains by Flick and could see a permanent armband role when the squad vote happens.
Eric is no longer a fringe player and has developed into a bona fide star. It remains to be seen how his 2026-27 season at right-back plays out.
