Inigo Martinez talks Flick, Cubarsi, Gavi, Balde, Kounde, Yamal, Casado, Nico, contract extension | OneFootball

Despite his impressive early-season form and the ongoing praise he receives, Inigo Martinez remains focused on his role at Barcelona.

Having faced tough times in recent years, he has developed a strong mentality, which has now helped him emerge as a key player in Hansi Flick’s squad.

The defender has embraced the club’s high-risk, high-reward style of play and is determined to make a lasting impact as a Barça defender.

His ambitions were revealed in a recent interview with SPORT where the veteran defender shared his thoughts on several subjects.

First impression of Hansi Flick

Inigo Martinez explains what Hansi Flick demands. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

In his first interactions with Flick, Martinez felt valued and trusted by the manager, which gave him a strong foundation to build upon.

“Flick, from the beginning, when he saw me, always gave me that confidence, that I felt like one of them. He really had a contract still in the first team,” he began saying.

This sense of confidence only grew as he showcased his skills during the team’s preseason in the United States.

“Then I had the opportunity to show in the United States what I could give to this team and from there, little by little, you get stronger and I’m still here.

Martinez believes that Flick’s clear tactical vision has been instrumental in helping the team perform cohesively, even in the face of defensive challenges.

His main task, as Flick emphasises, is to lead the back line with intensity and focus, ensuring that Barça’s bold, high defensive line holds firm.

“To us, above all, the intensity in the game is to be concentrated at 200%. To the back line, to boss the forwards. We are the ones who hold the team back there.

“It’s a task that seems easy, but because of our style, with the line so high up, sometimes it’s hard. You have to be very focused throughout the game.”

High defensive line

Martinez explains the high-defensive line. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

Playing in such a high line requires courage, and Martinez acknowledges that it comes with its share of risks, especially against fast strikers.

“Flick, from the moment he arrived, was clear about how he wanted us to play. In the end, even taking risks, I think it gives us more benefits than anything else. So, we continue with our philosophy and our idea,” he said.

Nevertheless, he feels that the team’s style of aggressively pressing opponents high up the pitch has yielded more benefits than setbacks.

With a well-coordinated back line, Martinez and his teammates have managed to catch many attackers offside, disrupting their flow and keeping Barça on the front foot. Despite the challenges, Martinez believes this tactical approach is worth the effort.

“When you have fast strikers who know how you play and you can see 50 meters behind you, of course, you suffer.

“It’s not easy, but when the back four play well together like that, you can be sure that 9 times out of 10 they’ll be offside. So we take risks, it’s the way we play. We’re doing well and that’s the way we’ll continue,” he explained.

The veteran defender explained further that as far as defensive awareness is concerned, Alejandro Balde is the most absent-minded player and so is Jules Kounde.

“Balde is the most absent-minded of all the back line, although Jules is also absent-minded from time to time, but well, he’s a lot further away from me than Balde and it’s true that he usually has to put up with me a lot during the game.”

Relationship with Cubarsi and other youngsters

Inigo Martinez was really happy to see Gavi’s return. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Martinez shares a solid rapport with fellow defenders, especially youngster Pau Cubarsi, whom he sees as a dedicated learner with immense potential.

“You could see it from the first game. Although he could not be in the preseason, he is a player who likes to learn, attends and has many years ahead of him, many beautiful experiences and I hope we both continue to enjoy.”

He also recognises the unique talents of other teammates like Gavi and Lamine Yamal. Seeing Gavi return from injury was a special moment for Martinez, knowing how much it meant to the young midfielder after a long recovery period.

“Just as we all rejoice. It is true that I lived it very close because I had to be with him at the time of the injury and I know how much it mattered to Gavi to be out for so long.

“He is a player who only wants to play, and enjoy the ball and that moment was very difficult for him and seeing him back, not only for me, but for all the spectators and teammates, was an immense joy.”

As for Yamal, Martinez views him as a rare talent, capable of changing games and consistently creating opportunities for the team.

“Lamine is a differential player, a player you rarely see and having him with us is a joy. He is not shaky, he has pace, he generates chances and scores important goals.

“For us, he is a fundamental player, he still has a long way to go and we hope he continues to improve and that one day we can see him lift a Ballon d’Or,” he said.

Contractual situation

Inigo Martinez is not too worried about his contract extension. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Looking ahead, Martinez remains focused on securing as much playing time as possible, which he hopes will activate an automatic one-year extension in his contract.

“My thought right now is to play as many games as I can, that will make me get the plus one (extra year) that I have.”

Rather than stressing about his future, he’s simply dedicated to contributing to the team’s success. He considers every moment at Barça a privilege, regardless of what the future holds.

“Always with total naturalness and normality, without putting pressure on myself and if it has to come, it will come and if not, then hey, I will say that I have been in Barça for two wonderful years and that I have been in the best team in the world.”

Who has impressed Martinez the most?

As one of the more experienced players in the squad, Martinez has also taken note of the standout performances of younger players like Marc Casado.

“Well, apart from Lamine, who we already saw last year what he can give, I would choose Casado.”

Marc Casado has really impressed Inigo Martinez. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

He is particularly impressed with Casado’s development, as he has proven his abilities on the pitch, earning his place in the starting lineup through dedication and hard work.

“Last year we didn’t have the opportunity to see him on the field so many games to say, wow, what he brings to the team. I think he is showing the qualities, what he can give and another player coming out of the youth academy.”

Outside the club, Martinez has a strong friendship with Athletic Club’s Nico Williams. However, he remains discreet regarding Nico’s career choices, respecting his friend’s autonomy in making decisions.

“Let’s see, when Nico’s name comes up so many times, well, in the end, it always gets to you, you get messages, you get everything. But I have always stayed away, I think these are decisions that you have to make alone.

“Whether to take the step or not, is up to him. In this case, I don’t know if he really had an offer or not, so I can’t comment, but if he made the decision to stay there it’s because he really believed he had to stay there,” he concluded.