dragons captain benjamin garcia has finally spoken out, shedding light on the controversy that has surrounded his leadership and the team’s recent form in the super league. in an exclusive interview, garcia addressed the rumors, criticisms, and behind-the-scenes dynamics that have kept fans and analysts speculating for weeks.
team struggles and captaincy pressure
garcia, a stalwart for the catalans dragons since 2013, has been under the spotlight as the team experienced a string of inconsistent performances this season. despite starting the year strongly, the dragons have faltered in recent weeks, losing key matches against league rivals. the captain admitted that the pressure of leadership has been immense but emphasized that it is a challenge he embraces.
“leading this team is an honor, but it’s not without its difficulties,” garcia said. “when the results don’t go our way, the responsibility falls on me, and i accept that. but it’s important for people to understand that rugby is a team sport. every player contributes to our success or failure.”
addressing the internal rift rumors
speculation about a potential rift within the dragons’ squad has been rampant, with reports suggesting disagreements between senior players and coaching staff. garcia refuted these claims, stating that the team remains united despite their struggles.
“we’ve had tough conversations in the locker room, yes,” he admitted. “but that’s part of any competitive environment. it’s not about pointing fingers; it’s about finding solutions together. our coach, steve mcnamara, has our full support, and we are working tirelessly to turn things around.”
personal sacrifices and mental health focus
garcia also opened up about the personal sacrifices he’s made for the sport and how the intense scrutiny has affected his mental health. “there are days when the criticism feels overwhelming,” he shared. “but i’ve learned to lean on my family, teammates, and mental health professionals. it’s okay to admit when you’re struggling—it doesn’t make you weak.”
this candid revelation has resonated with fans and mental health advocates, with many praising garcia for using his platform to highlight the pressures athletes face.
reaffirming commitment to the dragons
amid rumors that garcia might step down as captain or consider a move away from the dragons, he was quick to dismiss such speculation. “i love this club,” he said firmly. “the dragons gave me a platform to grow as a player and a person. my focus is on leading this team to success, no matter how hard it gets.”
garcia also called on the fans to continue supporting the team through thick and thin. “our supporters are the backbone of this club. we feel their passion, and it drives us to be better.”
looking ahead
with several critical matches on the horizon, garcia believes the dragons can still salvage their season. “it’s not over until the final whistle,” he said with determination. “we’ve faced adversity before, and we’ve come out stronger. this time will be no different.”
his optimism and transparency have reinvigorated the fanbase, and many are hopeful that the team will bounce back under his leadership. as the dragons prepare for their next challenge, all eyes will be on benjamin garcia and how he continues to lead his team through this pivotal moment.