Former Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez has shared an extensive assessment of the current Barça project, backing Hansi Flick’s work, naming the players he believes should lead the dressing room and expressing confidence that the club will soon win the UEFA Champions League.
Speaking to SPORT, the veteran centre-back began by reflecting on his own spell at Barcelona, discussed several current players and offered his verdict on where the team stands under Flick.
He began by confirming that his time at Barcelona is in the past, despite the positive memories he took from his spell at the club.
“It was a very happy spell, one of the best periods of my career.
“I enjoyed it to the full and I’m grateful to the Barça fans for allowing me to have such a wonderful experience, but yes, that chapter is now closed.”
The former defender was also asked whether Robert Lewandowski had any conversation with him regarding a move to Saudi Arabia, to which he explained,
“He might get an offer, but it’s not easy to settle in here. It’s true that the clubs make things easier for you, even though you’re going to a completely different place.
“Even more so when you leave Barcelona, where you have everything. You need to have a very clear idea of what you’re doing.”
Praise for Flick
Inigo Martinez has nothing but praise for Flick. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
The former defender also had warm words for Flick, crediting the German coach for helping him perform at his best. Speaking about their relationship, Martinez explained,
“He opened the doors for me, gave me confidence, and I performed to the best of my ability.
“I have an excellent relationship with him; I’m glad things are going well for him because he’s a brilliant bloke who gave me so much. It’s great news that he’s renewed his contract.”
Furthermore, Martinez was also full of praise for Barcelona’s campaign, particularly after a season that many feared could go off track.
“In a year that looked like it was going to be a disaster, they’ve managed to turn things round. That’s down to a team that’s united in its determination to turn things around.
“It’s a shame about the Champions League, because it’s a real achievement to have pulled so many points clear of Madrid.
“They’ve won two titles this year and the Champions League is missing, but it’ll come. This team is going to win it.”
When discussing Europe’s biggest competition, Martinez acknowledged how difficult it is to conquer.
“It’s a competition that changes a lot. Other teams come into the mix, they match your determination, and it all depends on the day you have. Against Atletico Madrid, it got very complicated and it was a shame.”
Cubarsi, Pedri and the next Barcelona leader
Inigo Martinez has also praised Gerard Martin. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
One of the strongest messages from the interview concerned leadership within the dressing room.
Martinez believes the current squad still needs time to develop leaders naturally due to its young age.
“They’re very young, and it’s true that they’ll step up bit by bit. It’s not something that happens overnight. I’ll say it again: at first, everything looked bleak, and look how well it’s turned out.”
When asked who should become the face of leadership within the squad, the former Barcelona defender pointed towards two of the club’s most important young stars.
“There are plenty of heavyweights, even if it doesn’t seem that way in the dressing room.
“Even if he doesn’t speak up or convey that feeling on the pitch, he commands respect within the team. I’d like to see the leadership role taken up by players like Cubarsi or Pedri.
“In Pedri’s case, he’s already more respected, but I’d like to see a defensive leader who commands from the back, and Cubarsí can fulfil that role.”
Praise for Gerard Martin and Eric Garcia
Martinez also defended several current Barcelona players who have faced criticism. Speaking about Gerard Martin’s development, he said:
“Gerard is a lad who might not stand out at first glance; you don’t see anything that makes you go ‘wow!’, but he’s always delivered.
“As a full-back, he can play as a centre-back; he won’t be short of desire and enthusiasm. He’ll always give you a 6.5, and at Barça there aren’t many like him. He’s a player who wants to learn and is always alert.”
Inigo Martinez has shared his thoughts on Anthony Gordon. (Picture credit: X/@FCBarcelona)
The veteran was equally supportive of Eric Garcia following his return to the Spanish national team. Discussing the versatile defender, Martinez stated,
“I’m really happy for him. He’s taken a lot of unfair flak. We know how the football world works; we always pick on the same person.
“He’s a good player who was at City, came here, plays as a centre-back and can also play as a full-back or defensive midfielder. That’s why the manager has decided to call him up.”
On Anthony Gordon and Ferran Torres
Martinez also touched on Barcelona’s transfer plans and the challenges facing the club.
He was asked about Barcelona’s first summer acquisition, Anthony Gordon and whether the England international is the type of player the club needs. Offering his view on the market, he said,
“It all depends on the kind of player you’re looking for. To me, he’s a player who presses hard, who gets stuck in, and is technically very good – but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll make the grade.
“There’s the pressure of playing for a top club and the competition with the rest of the squad. There are plenty of good players in those positions.”
Finally, Martinez pointed to Ferran Torres as an example of perseverance at Barcelona. Speaking about the forward, he concluded,
“It’s not easy to break into a Barcelona side; he has to score, establish himself and not just be a passing phase. Nobody gave Ferran a chance, but he’s always there and look at the season he’s had.”