He played everything. Virtually everything. And he is a captain who does not need to wear any armbands to carry out his role. A boss role in defense, used to knowing the ins and outs of the job of central defender (he’s 33 years old), accompanied by a teenager like Paolo Cubarsi (17).
A Iñigo Martinezindisputable piece of Flick’s Barça, he has to lead from behind a team in formation, which wins spectacularly against Bayern (4-1) and Real Madrid (0-4) while suffering slowdowns in San Sebastián against Real Sociedad (1 -0 defeats) or draws like Balaídos against Celta (1-1).
“From the first moment I met him, Hansi told me he wanted to see me and give me this opportunity. I didn’t want to be here bothering anyone if the coach didn’t want me.”
“From the first moment I met him, Hansi told me that he wanted to see me and give me this opportunity,” revealed the Basque defender, who explained: “I didn’t want to be here to disturb anyone if the coach didn’t do it “. you want me.”
But Flick wanted it. “I saw that the days passed and the coach completely trusted me and wanted me to start. And it’s the year I enjoyed the most,” added Iñigo Martínez.
From an irregular season with He already has 1,506 and has started 17 of the 18 games. He only rested in the Pamplona defeat.
“Everything is fine, I enjoy these moments and these matches… You also notice that the coach appreciates you a lot. It’s all a bit. Everything flows”, recalled Iñigo Martínez, happy because he is enjoying his best. “I can say this very well, despite being 33 years old. There are no injuries. I feel comfortable, with a lot of weight on the pitch and in the locker room where I have to help because there are many young people. This is my job”, he said. remembered the former Athletic player.
His age was precisely one of the reasons why he understood that Luis de la Fuente would not call him to play for the national team. “It’s totally understandable, I’m 33 years old and there is an exceptional level of young people. For me it’s not a strange thing, they are decisions of the coach, who thinks of a younger team”, reflected the Barça center-back. “I don’t feel indignant nor should I be for not having called me. I’m of a certain age, it’s normal that I call the other players,” he added.
“The national team? It’s absolutely understandable, I’m 33 years old and there is an exceptional level of youth. I’m not indignant nor should I be for not having called me. I’m of a certain age, it’s normal for me to call other players”
The Basque player has no doubts about the defensive approach shown by Barça. And he is not limited to just a defensive problem, also warning that if the team does not perform at one hundred percent, it will have problems against Brest, its next rival in the Champions League. “It will be a tough, very tough opponent, they are very good in the Champions League. If we relax we could pay dearly,” acknowledged Iñigo Martínez, who does not want to think about the possible renewal at the end of the season, when his contract expires.
“The pressure starts from“I focus on mine, day by day. If it has to come, it will come. And if it doesn’t come, then I will say that I have been at Barça for two years,” acknowledged the Barça defender, who admitted that “it was difficult for him digest” what happened in Vigo in the last minutes when they were leading 0-2. “More than holding us back, it matters how we press, in what way and with what intensity,” revealed Iñigo Martínez.
“If the pressure is very good, it is difficult to put the ball behind the back because the goalkeeper is ahead and will save us a lot”, insisted the defender, recalling that “if we lower the intensity a little, we create chances and create danger .” . And he influenced that same line, focusing on the fact that pressure is something collective because it shouldn’t only be up to the defenders.
Lamine Yamal’s absence due to injury (he wasn’t against Real Sociedad, nor against Celta and now against Best) is important, according to Iñigo, but not so decisive. “We know the importance of Lamine, I don’t deny it, he gives us a lot, he’s very unbalanced and pushes the defensive line back”, recognized the Basque defender, specifying that the young attacker “comes forward, generates assists and a lot of fear, it’s fundamental and very important, but that can’t mean that the next one that comes out won’t be up to the task.
“Iñaki Peña? He’s so cold that I don’t really know what you think, but we’re very happy, because he’s a good guy, he’s different, he’s particular but there you can see the work in silence”
“The pressure starts from those at the top, if the pressure is not good those behind suffer, that’s how it is. We all attack and defend and the level we are showing, except in the last two games, is brilliant” , but without excesses of confidence, this is a team”, warned Iñigo Martínez, impressed by the coolness conveyed by Iñaki Peña, his goalkeeper.
“It’s not easy for a Barça goalkeeper to jump, do well and demonstrate the level that Iñaki is showing. He’s been around for many years, he knows the club and he’s so calm that I don’t see him going out of his comfort zone, he gives us a lot confidence and is showing that he is a great goalkeeper.”
How has Hansi Flick’s coaching style influenced Iñigo Martínez’s performance at Barça?
Time.news Interview: An Insight with Iñigo Martínez
Editor: Good afternoon, Iñigo. It’s great to have you here today. Let’s dive straight into your experience at Barça under Hansi Flick. How has the transition to this new environment been for you?
Iñigo Martínez: Good afternoon! It’s a pleasure to be here. The transition has been remarkable. From the very start, Hansi expressed his trust in me, and that made me feel wanted. It’s inspiring to know I am part of a team that believes in my abilities. This season has been one of the most enjoyable in my career, and I feel more comfortable on the pitch than ever.
Editor: It’s interesting to hear you say that. You’ve started 17 of the 18 games this season. What do you attribute your consistency to at 33 years old?
Iñigo Martínez: I believe it comes down to preparation and mindset. I’ve managed to stay injury-free, which is crucial. Moreover, I feel a strong responsibility to guide the younger players on the team, like Paolo Cubarsi. It’s not just about my performance; it’s about fostering a collaborative atmosphere where we thrive collectively.
Editor: Leading from the back with a mix of youth and experience is key in football. You also mentioned enjoying your time and having the coach’s appreciation. Do you think your role as a leader will evolve as younger talents continue to emerge?
Iñigo Martínez: Absolutely. Leadership evolves with the team dynamic. As young talents like Cubarsi emerge, it’s my job to not only guide them but also learn from them. Their energy and fresh perspectives are vital. I’m here to share knowledge and help them grow while adapting my own game too.
Editor: Speaking of the younger players, what’s your perspective on Luis de la Fuente’s decisions regarding the national team selections? You mentioned understanding his choice to prioritize youth.
Iñigo Martínez: It’s completely understandable. At 33, there’s an exceptional group of young players ready to take on challenges in the national team. I don’t take it personally; it’s about the future of football, and I respect the coach’s vision to build a younger squad. I’m just focused on performing well at Barça.
Editor: Looking ahead, you have a challenging match against Brest in the Champions League. What’s your mindset going into this game?
Iñigo Martínez: Every game in the Champions League is tough, no matter the opponent. Brest is a strong team, and we need to be at our best. If we relax, it could cost us dearly. We’ve trained hard to execute our defensive tactics, but pressure is a team effort. We need to maintain our intensity throughout.
Editor: You’ve had quite the journey so far. With your contract ending soon, how do you feel about the future? Are you focused on renewal talks, or are you taking it day by day?
Iñigo Martínez: It’s all about day-to-day focus for me. I believe that if I continue to perform well, the future will take care of itself. If a renewal comes, great, but if not, I’ll have had two amazing years at Barça, and I can look back at this period with pride. For now, my priority is helping the team succeed.
Editor: Iñigo, thank you for your insights and time today. Your perspective on leadership and adaptation in football is deeply insightful. Best of luck for your upcoming matches!
Iñigo Martínez: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts. Let’s keep pushing forward!