IN SPORT.ES
Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman wanted to sign Eric Garcia in January and the club's need for a centre-back has only been strengthened by the injury to Ronald Araujo.
With Gerard Pique also out, Koeman started with Oscar Mingueza and Samuel Umtiti in the Copa del Rey semifinal first leg defeat against Sevilla on Wednesday.
"I spoke with the three candidates about the signing," Koeman explained Friday. "At that moment, I said that, for me, we needed a signing but I respect their decisions.
"It wasn't to be and we continue with what we have. But it has to be said, we lack people at the back with big players missing."
The Dutch coach also spoke about the team's problems in defence with a number of goals conceded this season, especially from mistakes.
"It's true that we conceded goals but it's also true we create a lot more," he added. "We have to be more effective in front of goal and more committed at the back.
"We lack consistency in defence, above all because of the players we're missing. We have had a lot of games and not many people (available). Tiredness can be a big issue in terms of concentration but I'm not that worried, either. I would be if we weren't creating chances."