As Barcelona prepare to face local rivals Espanyol in a heated La Liga derby, Espanyol manager Manolo Gonzalez has dismissed concerns over fan behavior, referencing the infamous Luis Figo incident. Goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who moved from Espanyol to Barcelona last summer, is set for a hostile return to the RCDE Stadium. Barcelona's Hansi Flick has urged respect and calm from all sides.
The upcoming La Liga clash between Espanyol and Barcelona on January 3, 2026, carries extra tension due to Joan Garcia's return to his former club. The 24-year-old goalkeeper became the first player in 31 years to switch from Espanyol to Barcelona last summer, prompting backlash from Espanyol fans, including former president Joan Collett's comment that Garcia had "gone with the monster."
Espanyol boss Manolo Gonzalez addressed Barcelona's reported worries about potential overzealous fan reactions, pointing to the 2002 incident when Luis Figo returned to the Camp Nou in Real Madrid colors and was pelted with objects, including a pig's head. "The fans will make it lively, it’s a derby, we won’t come out with a bouquet of roses," Gonzalez said. "This is normal in a rivalry. But people have to be aware that [if anything does occur], the first ones to be harmed are the club and the team. The fans are conscious of that and have to be calm. It seems like everyone is waiting for Espanyol fans to mess up so they can get their hands on it. [We don’t need] behavioural lessons. Remember what happened with Figo? It is a football match and nothing else."
When asked about Garcia specifically, Gonzalez snapped: "I don’t care about this subject, I only care about winning."
To mitigate risks, Espanyol has installed nets behind the goal. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick emphasized unity and respect: "I am positive. We are people, we have to live together. We have to respect each other, which is the most important thing in soccer. I think we have to be on the same page. The most important thing in soccer is to support your team, not to go against the other. It’s the best for your team. Everyone must send a positive energy. You have to be focused on your team, not on the other."
Flick noted Garcia's calm demeanor: "I don’t see any differences [in his demeanour] compared to the last few weeks. He has confidence and believes in his strengths and quality, that’s what he wants to show tomorrow."
Barcelona lead La Liga by four points over Real Madrid, while fifth-placed Espanyol have won their last five league games, conceding just two goals. The teams have met 74 times, with Barcelona winning 47, Espanyol seven, and 20 draws. Espanyol's last league win over Barcelona was in 2009. Flick praised Gonzalez's side: "I’d like to congratulate Manolo. He’s doing an incredible job. It’s a team that presses very well and makes excellent transitions. They’ve won five games in a row. We’ll have to play at our highest level, stay calm and play our best football. We have enough quality to take the win."
Team news includes Espanyol missing Ramon Terrats (thigh) and Charles Pickel (AFCON), while Barcelona welcome back Ronaldo Araujo from mental health leave and potentially Dani Olmo and Pedri from injuries, though Andreas Christensen and Gavi remain sidelined.
