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Barcelona’s strong start to the season has been based on multiple fundamental pillars, the biggest of which has been the red-hot attack.
An equally important cog, however, has been Inigo Martinez as the defender has racked up high-quality performances day in and day out to ensure that the team is spotless at the back.
A true leader through action, the defender has struck up a wonderful partnership with Pau Cubarsi and is one of the team’s most important members on the field.
Martinez ‘enjoying’ playing for Barcelona
Speaking to the media in a recent interview, the Spanish centre-back opened up on his strong start to the season, his importance under Hansi Flick and various topics related to the team’s dynamics.
Starting off, however, he reflected on how it has been a special year for him so far especially coming off a relatively quiet season last time around.
“Last year was not easy at all but this year I am enjoying it to the fullest,” the defender shared.
Needless to say, he spoke on how the manager’s faith helped him bring his A game despite various limiting factors that have been hurdles in the past.
“I am in one of the best moments. When you feel the confidence of the coach and your colleagues, everything flows better,” remarked the Spaniard.
“He is a great coach, since he arrived he tried to help us in everything he could,” he added.
Staying on the topic of Flick, he revealed how the manager was behind the scenes and how he strived to get the best out of his players.
“He trusts us a lot and we also in him. You can tell that we enjoyed, that we let go on the field of play and there are the results.”
Martinez was then asked about the team’s ambitions for this season, saying: “This year we hope to win some titles. We are showing that we are very well and it is being seen that we know how to compete against any rival.”
“Against Madrid, you pay for the smallest slip-up,” he added on the difficulty of competing with Real Madrid.
Thriving. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)Now a veteran in the dressing room dominated by youngsters, the defender was asked his role in grooming the younger names, to which he replied,
“We try to contribute and help in every possible way to the young people who go up, who feel comfortable and are demonstrating a level to play in Barcelona.”
The Basque defender was then asked to give his two cents on Lamine Yamal, and he had nothing but praise for the Golden Boy frontrunner.
“We all know the potential he has, you have to go little by little with him. You have to help him because, in the world of soccer, it is easy to deviate from the path,” Martinez said.
“He is a boy with a well-armed head, he knows what he wants, so full confidence with him, and well, let’s hope he continues at this level,” he added.
Speaking on Marc-Andre Ter Stegen’s injury, he said: “It’s a great loss, we all know what Marc brings, but Inaki is doing very well.”
Martinez was then asked whether he still dreamt of making it to the Spanish national team at his age, and he revealed that it was still a big dream for him.
“It is one of the things that any player wants to be 20, 25 or 30 years old. I always keep the illusion,” said the former Athletic Club captain.
Finally, the Barcelona star was quizzed about his unique celebration style which is dedicated to his daughters.
“It started in a silly way and was cool, I dared to do it in the odd shirt. In fact, a few friends have already asked me for it,” he said.
Source: SPORT
