Inigo Martinez: Hansi Flick told me I’d be first choice at Barcelona

Inigo Martinez has had a great season at Barcelona, becoming a key player alongside Pau Cubarsi. His position is surprising given the uncertainty surrounding his future last summer, but he capitalized on injuries to Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen to secure a spot in the starting lineup.

Martinez admitted he felt anxious over the summer, but Hansi Flick reassured him that he would be the first choice. At 33, playing at Barcelona is challenging, and he strives to seize every opportunity.

“You feel nervous because you’re training without knowing if you’ll be signed. It’s hard not knowing where you’ll be in a few weeks. When the coach expressed his trust in me, it boosted my confidence from the start,” he said.

He also noted that while Barcelona’s forwards revel in scoring, defenders like him have a tougher time, especially in high-pressure matches like El Clasico.

“The forwards have fun, but for us at the back, it’s more about survival. We need to stay alert because one mistake can lead to a goal. We only relax when we have a comfortable lead, but our focus is always on defending.”

Looking ahead, Martinez will face increased competition as both Araujo and Christensen are set to return from injury, eager to reclaim their starting spots.