Barcelona 'ignored' Guardiola's transfer warning and Koeman is paying price

Barcelona are reportedly regretting not heeding Pep Guardiola 's warning over a deal to sign ex- Manchester City defender Eric Garcia.

Garcia linked up with the Catalan giants on a free transfer this summer after seeing out his deal at the Etihad.

The 20-year-old graduated from Barca's La Masia academy before electing to make the switch to England with City back in 2017.

But the Spanish international has endured a rotten start to life back in Spain after linking up with Ronald Koeman 's side.

He capped a dismal display in Barca's 3-0 defeat to Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday night with a red card after being booked twice.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola reportedly warned his old side on their move for Eric Garcia ( Image:

Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)

And it's now emerged that Guardiola warned his former club that Garcia was not ready to make such a big step up.

According to El Nacional, Guardiola gave a 'sincere' warning to Barcelona over Garcia's 'little experience' before a deal was struck.

And Garcia's awful start this year is proving him right.

His dismissal against Benfica marks the youngster's second red card in just six games since his return to the Nou Camp.

There are further concerns over Garcia's suitability for such a key role in Koeman's side right now, despite the defender remaining a big prospect for the future.

Garcia's horrendous start to life back in Barcelona is the latest in a series of headaches for Koeman.

It was his decision to hand Garcia such a prominent role so soon, clearly going against Guardiola's advice.

The ex-Everton boss is already under intense pressure following Barca's poor start to life without their talisman, Lionel Messi.

Will Ronald Koeman survive the sack this season at Barcelona? Comment below.

Garcia was dismissed in Barca's 3-0 loss to Benfica in the Champions League ( Image:

David Ramos/Getty Images)

The departure of the Argentina superstar ensured that this season was always likely to be a struggle for Koeman and his cash-strapped side.

But he defended his position at the club recently when quizzed on his future following a string of disappointing results.

"I'm still staying, yes. I know that it always depends on the results, it is the most normal thing," said Koeman.

"My intention is to follow the plan. The club has not told me anything. Everyone knows that I am here for the love of the club, in a very difficult situation.

Ronald Koeman is feeling the heat as Barcelona boss ( Image:

Jose Breton/via Getty Images)

"The club hasn't told me anything. The president was here this morning [Friday] but I haven't seen him. I know things have been leaked and probably they are true. But he hasn't told me anything."

Koeman did, however, react angrily when asked about his relationship with president Joan Laporta as speculation over his future intensifies.

"My relationship with the President? I'm not going to answer this question," he added.

"I am tired of defending myself. We have done important things, we have had and assumed changes in the club. I would like to speak one day and speak well about what I think."