Ronald Koeman has admitted he wanted to sign Manchester City centre-back Eric Garcia in the January transfer window.
The Barcelona academy graduate looks set to return to the Camp Nou as a free agent this summer, having broken off negotiations over a new contract in Manchester.
City only wanted £2.65m for the Catalan, who has been a peripheral figure at the Eithad Stadium this term.
“I told the club that we needed a signing, but I respect any decision,” the Barcelona boss said.
“I do not speak after the past. I was talking to them for a moment, but I respect the decision of the club, because of the economic issue. We continue with what we have.
“But, with the casualties and the bad luck of our injuries, we lack defenders, we lack forcefulness, we have not reinforced what we needed. Due to injuries we have lowered our performance in defence.”
Despite the Dutchman’s disappointment at not agreeing a deal sooner, Garcia is still on his way to the Camp Nou this summer.
“We already know he will probably arrive in the summer,” Koeman said last month. “If it's not possible this January, then we'll accept it and move on.”
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