Iñigo Martínez has been chosen by FC Barcelona to appear alongside Hansi Flick at the press conference prior to the match between the Blaugrana team and Stade Brestois, valid for matchday five of the UEFA Champions League 24-25, which will take place this Tuesday, November 26, at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Now, the Basque defender took the opportunity to discuss various topics, both personally and related to the team.
Martínez referred to a topic that has been widely discussed in the orbit of Barcelona, related to his renewal as a player for the team. It should be noted that his current contract is valid until June 30, 2025, and various reports suggest that after the excellent season he is having as a Blaugrana, his contractual link with Barça could be renewed. The Ondarroa native made it clear that, for now, this issue does not distract him from his sporting activities.
"I don't even consider the contract. It's one of those things that can make you lose focus and not concentrate on what you need to do. I focus on my own, on day-to-day life, on enjoying and taking advantage of the opportunities the coach gives me. If it happens, great, and if not, I will say I've spent two years at Barça," commented Iñigo.
His Form at Barça, Is It the Best of His Career?
Additionally, when discussing more personal matters, he was asked whether the experienced defender feels he is in the best moment of his career due to the impressive numbers he is displaying. In response, Iñigo Martínez preferred not to get too involved on the subject, but he did talk about the relationship he has been showing with Hansi Flick lately. "I couldn’t say, but this is the year I’m enjoying the most. Everything is going well. You compete in every match, and you feel that the coach appreciates you a lot. Everything flows, and despite my age, I feel very good physically. It’s a bit of everything; I feel comfortable, with a lot of weight in the locker room, and I try to give 100% for this team," said the Ondarroa native.
Later, the former player of Athletic Club explained in detail the importance Hansi Flick is having in his career. "From minute one, Hansi showed me that he wanted to see me and give me that opportunity. I didn't want to be here bothering if the coach doesn't want you or doesn't trust you. He gave me the opportunity in pre-season, and when it ended, we saw that he wanted me as a starter. The work of one that isn’t seen, trying to fight for what you deserve. The coach influences a lot because he has to give you that confidence. He appreciates me a lot, and I appreciate him too, and let’s hope to enjoy this year lifting trophies," he warned.
Moreover, Martínez did not shy away from discussing his role in the current locker room, being one of the most veteran players in a squad full of young talents. "It's nothing more than giving 100%. In the game, in the locker room... it's my job and everyone’s. Punctuality, respecting others. Like in any other job. You try to help the young players at all times. To help them relax because they might come with the fear that the first team generates. To enjoy, to have fun. If they want to crack a joke, they should go for it. And it’s being seen; you can see on the field that they enjoy and contribute a lot," he pointed out.
Is There 'Lamine Dependence' at Barcelona?
Regarding an important topic for Barcelona, in light of the questioning about whether Barça suffers from excessive dependence on Lamine Yamal, given that when the right winger has not been on the pitch, the Catalan team has ended up losing their matches. Iñigo emphasized the importance of the youth player for the team but also highlighted the relevance of other players who can occupy his place in the attack.
"We know his importance; I won't deny it. He gives us a lot, he pushes back the opposing defense line. He generates a lot of fear. He is vital for the team. But that doesn't mean that the next one who comes out won't be up to the task. I have no doubt that everyone who steps on the field gives 100%, or 200%. The day Lamine is not there and we win, the topic won’t be discussed. There is more than enough squad to win every match," stated the '5' of Barça.
The Defensive System of the Blaugrana Team
Regarding the play of Barcelona, Iñigo Martínez explained that despite the losses to Real Sociedad (1-0) and the draw against Celta de Vigo (2-2), the Blaugrana team continues to trust its playing style and attributes the negative results to other factors. "The opponents watch our matches and analyze them. More than our back line, it's about how we press. If the pressure is good, obviously it's complicated to get the ball behind us. In the matches against Real and Celta, when one drops the intensity, we already generate chances against us," he emphasized.
"Few have caught us for the ones we usually leave offside. The idea will be the same. There are situations where the line shouldn’t be so advanced, but the defensive work is being exceptional."
Likewise, he detailed how the team's defensive system functions and its positioning based on the development of the match, which has allowed them to neutralize opposing offenses. Martínez stated that defensive duties do not fall solely on the back line, but that the entire team is well-structured to defend from the front.
"I think this is a team effort: not just the defensive line. The pressure starts from the front, and if it's not good, we suffer in the back. We all attack and defend. Except for these last two matches, the team’s work has been brilliant. This is the line we need to follow."
Praise for Iñaki Peña and Pau Cubarsí
Iñigo Martínez also had the opportunity to talk about his teammates, specifically, probably those he interacts with the most on the field due to their positions. First, he highlighted the great form that goalkeeper Iñaki Peña is showing, who has now become a great asset for Marc-André ter Stegen. "He's so cool that I don't know if he really... I don't know what he thinks. We're thrilled. He's a great guy, different, unique. There you can see the work, and when you have that opportunity, you step up and perform. Full confidence from the coach and the club; he’s been here many years. He's so calm that I don’t see him ever leaving his comfort zone. He is demonstrating what a great goalkeeper he is," he concluded.
Finally, the Ondarroa native also spoke about his defensive partner with whom he has formed an impenetrable duo, Pau Cubarsí. "It's logical that Cubarsí receives praise; he’s had two spectacular years. He has shown the potential he has. He proves every match to be a player with very clear ideas who wants to succeed. I hope to see him enjoy for a long time," Martínez concluded.