After a delayed start at Barcelona due to an injury he carried over from last season, Inigo Martinez is finally finding his rhythm in the Catalan club. Since arriving on a free transfer from Athletic Club, Martinez has been impressing fans and critics alike with his performances, earning a recall to the Spanish national team.
In a recent interview with SPORT, Martinez touched upon his move to Barcelona, the pressure on manager Xavi Hernandez, and his determination to repay the coach for everything he has done.
Martinez’s Journey to Barcelona
Having spent eight seasons at Athletic Club, Martinez joined Barcelona as a free agent in the summer of 2021. Despite a slow start due to his injury, the center-back has managed to make a significant impact in recent games for the Catalan giants. His resurgence has not only caught the attention of fans but also led to his inclusion in the Spanish national team once again.
Adapting to the Barcelona Style
Martinez revealed that it took some time for him to adjust to the Barcelona style of play and the demands placed upon him by Xavi Hernandez. As a defender, he emphasizes the importance of understanding the positional play and the role he needs to fulfill in the team.
Slowly but surely, Martinez has been able to find his comfort zone and showcase his defensive abilities alongside his composure on the ball, both of which fans have appreciated.
Pressure on Xavi Hernandez
During the interview, Martinez also acknowledged the pressure on Barcelona’s coach, Xavi Hernandez. With the expectations of bringing back the glory days to the club, Xavi has faced an intense spotlight since taking charge.
Martinez expressed his admiration for the way Xavi handles the pressure, acknowledging his positive attitude and commitment to the team’s success. The center-back believes that the players have a responsibility to support the coach amidst the challenging circumstances.
Repaying the Coach
Martinez made it clear that he feels indebted to Xavi for his support and guidance during his injury recovery and subsequent integration into the team. The defender is determined to repay the coach for everything he has done, not just by performing well on the pitch but also by being a valuable presence off it. Martinez aims to contribute to Barcelona’s success under Xavi’s leadership and recognizes that his performances are a crucial way of expressing his gratitude.
Looking Ahead
As Martinez continues to settle into life at Barcelona, he is optimistic about the future. The defender expressed his admiration for his defensive partner, Ronald Araujo, praising his abilities and predicting a fruitful partnership ahead.
Additionally, Martinez voiced his excitement about playing alongside the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Ilkay Gundogan, highlighting the technical quality present within the Barcelona squad.
Despite a slow start, Inigo Martinez has been making his mark at Barcelona, impressing fans and earning a recall to the Spanish national team. The center-back spoke about his journey to Barcelona, his adaptation to the team’s style of play, and the pressure on coach Xavi Hernandez.
Martinez also expressed his determination to repay the coach for his support and guidance during his injury recovery. As he looks ahead, Martinez is optimistic about his partnership with Araujo and eager to contribute to Barcelona’s success under Xavi’s leadership.
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