Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez was being talked about as arguably one of the best central defender in La Liga earlier than the final worldwide break, however was not included in Luis de la Fuente’s Spain squad, even when Aston Villa’s Pau Torres pulled out with damage. All the identical, Martinez stated he understood the choice.
Martinez was talking after Barcelona dropped two factors towards Celta Vigo, and earlier than they tackle Brest within the Champions League. The 33-year-old roughly confirmed that the gamers had obtained a stern telling off from manaager Hansi Flick after the sport.
“It was a recreation that we had underneath management, and also you let two important factors slip away. It’s regular that the supervisor felt indignant, and the staff, indignant. These are issues that occur in soccer, and all of us win and lose collectively. Contemplating the minute that it was and the way the sport was going, we let an vital alternative slip away.”
The Basque defender admitted he was having fun with this yr a lot, and that Flick had performed a key function in that.
“From the primary minute, Hansi confirmed me that he wished to see me and provides me that chance. I didn’t need to be right here being an annoyance if the supervisor doesn’t need you or doesn’t belief you. He gave me the chance in pre-season, and when it completed, we noticed that he wished me as a starter.”
“It’s the work of somebody who can’t be seen and who tries to battle for what’s his. The supervisor has a number of affect in that, as a result of he has to provide you that confidence. Let’s hope that issues go nicely, and that this yr we find yourself successful titles.”
Every part signifies that Héctor Fort will begin tomorrow. @fansjavimiguel pic.twitter.com/lWjq6xqAkq
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) November 25, 2024
After being neglected of the Spain squad by de la Fuente, Martinez was requested what he considered that, and whether or not he believed it was based mostly on efficiency. The ex-Athletic Membership and Actual Sociedad defender was pretty sanguine in regards to the matter.
“It’s completely comprehensible. I’m 33 years previous and the extent of the younger gamers is phenomenal. It’s not that it’s one thing unusual, it’s the coach’s resolution, he is considering a youthful staff and desires to provide alternatives to those that are pushing laborious. I don’t really feel I needs to be indignant about him not taking me. I’m of a sure age and it’s regular that the coach needs to see different gamers.”