Íñigo Martínez spoke to the media during the Joan Gamper’s Sports City on the occasion of the preview of the match that Barcelona will play this Tuesday at the Olympic Stadium of Montjuic against the Brest during the fifth day of the League Phase of the Champions League.
“We have a very tough rival in front of us and he is very good in the Champions League. We can hit hard if we relax. Complicated and beautiful to play. We must demonstrate the high level that we have,” the FC Barcelona defender began by emphasizing at a press conference.
“I’m not considering the contract. These are things that can confuse you. I focus on what I’m doing, on enjoying and taking advantage of the opportunities the coach gives me. I want to compete as much as possible and focus on what I do. To show that I can continue to be a starter. If it happens well, otherwise I can say that I played two years at Barça,” commented Íñigo Martínez before the Champions League duel.
“It was difficult for me to digest the draw in Vigo. Because we had control of the match and we let two essential points slip away. It’s normal that the coach showed his anger. Given the duration, we missed an important opportunity,” said the culé defender.
“I think the rival watches Barcelona’s matches and analyzes them. The key is how you press and the intensity. If the pressure is good, it is very difficult for them to catch up with us. If we lower the intensity a little, they can put us in danger. Few have caught us. He gives us more than he takes from us. The idea remains the same. Sometimes it’s true that the line shouldn’t be this far forward. Despite this, the defensive work is exceptional. “Brest will come after us again,” said the Blaugrana defender.
More on offside: “The coach is clear on the height of the line. The height does not always have to be in the center of the field. It is only there when you press well. Otherwise, it’s suicide. “You have to know when to throw it.”
“It is completely understandable that my name is not Luis de la Fuente. I’m 33 now. We have an exceptional level of young people. And it shows. They get there and win games. These are the coach’s decisions. He wants to give opportunities to young people who are growing. I’m not outraged that he didn’t take me. I’m of a certain age and that’s normal. No goals for the coach,” said Íñigo Martínez.
“We know the importance of Lamine Yamal. We are not going to deny it. This generates a lot of fear. It’s vital and very important for the team. The next one that comes out will have to be up to the task. Everyone is trained to play. But Lamine is Lamine. We don’t have it, but whoever jumps won’t give less,” said the Barcelona central defender.
“This is the year I’m enjoying the most. Everything is fine. You participate in every game and the coach appreciates me very much. Everything flows. And physically, I feel good. And without injuries, which is also key. “I feel like a heavyweight in the locker room,” said the culé defender.
“Brest is doing a great job. It’s no coincidence that they didn’t lose. If we lose respect for him, we will pay dearly. “It’s a good game to be able to win and forget the last two losses,” said the Barcelona defender.
“Hansi Flick showed me from the first minute that he wanted to see me and he wanted to give me this opportunity. I didn’t want to bother here if the coach didn’t trust me. He gave me the opportunity and trusted me more and more. He wanted me as a starter and there is personal work that is not visible. He likes me a lot and I hope this year we all have fun on the field,” he commented.
